The New York Knicks' journey through the 2025 NBA playoffs has been full of surprises, but one name has started to stand out from the bench: Miles McBride. Known for his tough defense, energy, and growing confidence, McBride has established himself as an essential piece for the Knicks, especially as the team tests its depth against the league’s top competition.

A Season of Growth for Miles McBride

Coming into the postseason, Miles McBride faced plenty of challenges. In the first round against Detroit, his scoring dipped, averaging only 3.8 points per game with shooting struggles (around 26.7% from both the field and from deep). However, his confidence never wavered, and Knicks fans saw a breakthrough as the second round began. In a critical overtime win against the Boston Celtics, McBride delivered his best game of the playoffs so far, adding 11 points on efficient shooting and providing a much-needed spark off the bench. McBride’s outlook and return to form have been highlighted in this New York Post article, which explores how he uplifted the Knicks when they needed him most.

The Playoff X-Factor for the Knicks

For a team that finished last in bench scoring during the regular season, finding a reliable reserve is crucial in high-stakes matchups against elite teams like the Celtics. The challenge is even greater, given that Boston’s own bench features Payton Pritchard, the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. McBride's assertiveness shooting the three and his defensive tenacity have made him a valuable asset in such matchups. As detailed in SNY’s analysis, McBride’s perimeter shooting, career 36% from deep, and his willingness to let it fly help the Knicks keep pace with three-heavy offenses. His ability to pressure opposing guards and space the floor has also opened up lanes for stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Battling Depth Issues and Rising to the Challenge

The Knicks’ bench has been under scrutiny all season, often cited as a weakness. Matchups with Boston, who rely on bench scoring to stay explosive, test New York’s depth at every turn. McBride’s improvement and chemistry with Mitchell Robinson—another key reserve—have been vital as the team looks to overcome these hurdles. As noted in Yahoo Sports, the key to surviving and advancing for the Knicks lies in the contributions of players like McBride. When he finds his stride, the Knicks can outpace their opponents’ second units and maintain momentum during crucial stretches.

Defensive and Offensive Versatility

Miles McBride’s defensive skills have made him a coach’s favorite, especially when games are on the line. Coach Tom Thibodeau often subs McBride in for defensive stops, knowing he can disrupt opposing guards with his quick feet and anticipation. Offensively, his confidence has grown—once hesitant, McBride is now one of the Knicks’ most frequent shooters from beyond the arc in the playoffs. This willingness creates better spacing and gives stars the room they need to operate.

The Road Ahead: Can McBride’s Impact Continue?

As the Knicks continue their playoff push, the importance of Miles McBride cannot be understated. With every clutch performance, he further cements his role as the team’s X-factor. If McBride maintains his current level of play—hitting shots, playing hard-nosed defense, and bringing energy off the bench—the Knicks will have a real chance to advance deeper into the postseason.

For more insights on McBride's potential and his key role, read the full feature on why he is the Knicks’ X-factor in this SNY article.

Conclusion

Miles McBride’s journey this postseason exemplifies resilience and growth. He has transformed from an underperforming reserve into a reliable, impactful bench presence for the Knicks. As the playoffs continue, his play could be the difference between an early exit and a deep New York run. Knicks fans and NBA observers alike should keep their eyes on McBride as the team chases postseason glory.