Marathon bench performance leads Knicks to upset win

The Knicks lost Jalen Brunson to injury on their first possession of the game. McBride came in and played the final 47:13 of the game, scoring 16 points and dishing five assists in New York’s 107-98 win over Cleveland. He also showed off some impressive moves, dropping Evan Mobley on a drive to the hoop.

New York was already missing three starters with injuries before Brunson got hurt, but their role players stepped up. 6’4” Josh Hart grabbed an astounding 19 rebounds. Center Isaiah Hartenstein tied his career high with eight assists. Donte DiVincenzo scored 28 points, made six three-pointers and got three steals.

Cleveland was missing Donovan Mitchell but this was still a huge road win for the Knicks, who held on to fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Their coach is unafraid to lean on his players as well. Tom Thibodeau is known for playing his starters big minutes, so McBride inherited that same treatment when he replaced Brunson. Hart played over 45 minutes, and DiVincenzo logged more than 39. Brunson is ninth in the NBA in minutes per game, while Julius Randle is 16th.

Until Brunson returns from his injury, which is not expected to be serious, McBride shouldn’t expect much rest. That’s not the Thibodeau way.