The New York Knicks’ 2025 playoff journey has delivered intense battles, inspired performances, and a spotlight on emerging talents. Among them, Miles McBride stands out as a crucial X-factor for the Knicks as they take on the powerful Boston Celtics in the second round. His knack for defense, sharp three-point shooting, and energy off the bench could tip the series for New York.

The Season So Far: Miles McBride’s Role on the Knicks

Throughout the 2024–2025 season, Miles McBride has grown into the Knicks’ go-to sixth man. He provided critical minutes as the first guard off the bench, averaging 9.5 points and shooting 37 percent from three during the regular season. As noted in this Yahoo Sports analysis, his pressure defense and perimeter shooting have set him apart in a roster challenged by bench depth.

When postseason intensity rose, the Knicks faced fresh challenges. Their bench, ranked last in league scoring during the regular season, continued to struggle in the first round. Only McBride and Mitchell Robinson posted double-digit minutes from the bench, increasing the load on the starters.

Playoff Struggles—and the Path Forward

Miles McBride's playoff numbers so far—averaging just 3.8 points on 26.7 percent shooting—don’t tell the full story of his value. Despite cold streaks from the field, McBride’s defense and hustle have kept the Knicks competitive. As highlighted by SNY, McBride’s ability to space the floor and his quick-release from beyond the arc remain tools the Knicks desperately need against the Celtics’ high-powered offense.

The Celtics, featuring Sixth Man of the Year Payton Pritchard, provide little respite when their starters rest, making bench play a deciding factor. The matchup between McBride and Pritchard is now one to watch, as McBride’s shooting and defensive tenacity line up against Boston’s sharpshooting reserve unit. For more on this bench battle, see this in-depth New York Post breakdown.

Spacing, Shooting, and Impact Metrics

Spacing is critical in modern NBA offenses. Against the Celtics, who attempt more threes than any other playoff team, the Knicks must generate corner looks and fast-break opportunities. McBride leads the Knicks in three-point attempts per 36 minutes in the postseason, offering the spacing needed for stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to operate.

His impact goes beyond raw stats—when on the floor, the Knicks have outscored opponents. According to advanced stats cited by SNY, lineups with McBride are a net positive, even when his shooting dips. His willingness to let it fly keeps defenses honest and helps the Knicks’ offense maintain its flow.

The Importance of Resilience and Confidence

McBride remains confident despite early-round struggles. Speaking after a recent shootaround, he said, “Just keep shooting with confidence. Keep trusting my work.” His mindset is crucial, as the Knicks continue to lean on his minutes when it matters most.

The next few games will test McBride’s ability to make timely shots and lock down Celtics scorers. If he can regain his shooting rhythm, he will give the Knicks a needed edge in their bid to advance.

Conclusion: Can McBride Be the Difference?

The Knicks are underdogs, but Miles McBride’s grit and willingness to take big shots make him a pivotal figure in the series. His growth, defensive pressure, and three-point attempts could turn the tide. Knicks fans should keep a keen eye on McBride as the series unfolds. For further deep dives and postseason updates, explore the SNY Knicks coverage and track every twist in the playoff race.