In the play that encapsulated the New York Knicks‘ gritty 123-107 comeback win in Portland, second-year guard Miles McBride failed in his first attempt to disrupt a Trail Blazers’ transition play.
Jusuf Nurkic’s quick outlet pass found his intended recipient. But McBride did not give up even after initially failing to intercept the pass. As Anfernee Simons rose up for what he thought was a wide-open dunk, McBride leaped with all his might to swat away what could have been an easy two points for the Trail Blazers.
It sent a clear message that the Knicks wouldn’t fold up even in dire circumstances — last game on a grueling road trip still without their best player and staring at an early 16-point deficit.