Knicks Coach Mike Brown Adjusts Lineup, McBride Shines in Season Opener

NEW YORK, NY — Knicks coach Mike Brown made strategic adjustments to his starting lineup for the matchup against the Boston Celtics, opting to start guard Miles McBride in place of big man Ariel Hukporti. This lineup mirrored the one that sealed a victory over the Cavaliers in their season opener on Wednesday night.

The five starters included McBride along with Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby. Brown emphasized this group’s versatility, noting, “Everybody on the floor shoots it at a pretty high level and with range. They all have to be guarded, and defensively we have a lot of interchangeable parts.”

In the game, McBride contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists while playing 31 minutes. His inclusion was largely influenced by the Celtics’ smaller lineup, which featured four guards. Brown mentioned his concerns about matchup fairness for Hukporti and Towns against the Celtics’ guards.

Looking ahead, Brown expects center Mitchell Robinson to join the team on their upcoming road trip after he missed the first two games due to left ankle management, emphasizing that Robinson is not injured but rather being managed.

The Knicks awarded their first ‘Defensive Player of the Game’ honor to Jordan Clarkson, who helped the Knicks outscore the Celtics by 12 during his 16 minutes on the court. Brown praised Clarkson and others, including Tyler Kolek and Josh Hart, for their contributions to the team’s defensive efforts.

McBride notably made an impact in the season opener by scoring 15 points, including critical three-pointers at key moments, sparking runs that solidified the Knicks’ lead over the Cavaliers. “Just staying patient, trusting in my shot, my teammates,” said McBride, highlighting his mental focus during games.

Brown’s tactics lean towards a faster-paced game with an emphasis on perimeter shooting. The Knicks took 40 three-point attempts against the Cavaliers, aiming to increase their offensive efficiency compared to last season. With added depth from newcomers, the Knicks hope to maintain an advantage off the bench, with McBride being an essential player in their rotation.

After an impressive 119-111 victory against the Cavaliers, the Knicks demonstrated their collective strength over reliance on a single player, a notable change from last year’s approach. Brown mentioned, “It’s one game, and we feel like as the season goes along, we’re going to get better.”