Three standouts from the Knicks’ Game 1 victory over Philly

The Sixers have a great medical staff. They’ve had a doctor named J, and a nurse named Nick, and what they need now is a cardiologist to deal with their Josh Hart issue.

When the Knicks beat the 76ers 111-104 in Game 1 of their playoff series yesterday, Hart was indeed a lion who roared the loudest in the clutch, making timely hoops and big effort plays to conquer his prey. And yet, team contributions are required to win in the wilds of the postseason. With Philly taking big swings, New York received ferocious minutes from Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson, both of whom came off the bench to torment the Fighting Cheesesteaks. Here’s a quick taste of how these three Knickerbockers seized their moment and chased down the dub.

Deuce brought the necessary juice

In a game during which MVP-candidate Jalen Brunson was hindered by Philadelphia’s attention, bench player and future All-Star (you heard it here first) Miles McBride scored 21 points in 28 minutes and finished with a plus-minus of +37. He shot 7-of-12 from the field, including 5-of-7 from deep. That’s 71% from downtown in a playoff game. Big ones? Brass ones? Deuce has both.

Feel free to print and frame the following statline. You might want to show it to future generations of Knickerbocker fans.

In last year’s playoffs, Miles barely played, attempting four shots over eight games (making one). In 28 minutes yesterday, he scored from wherever he wanted, whether by jumper or slippery drives; he delivered his usual arsenal of defensive skills; and he dished up four assists while demonstrating an improved ability to draw two men on a drive and kick out to an open shooter. Josh’s two huge fourth-quarter three-pointers? Deuce assisted on both of them. Enjoy these highlights.

Josh Hart flipped a switch in the clutch

Josh Hart had a double-double of 22 points and 13 rebounds yesterday. He did all the usual Joshy things but with one surprising addition: fearless shooting.

During the regular season, Hart sank just 31% from downtown. The funk played mental tricks on him and many times he would forsake an open three because his confidence was lacking.

Yesterday, his first half was fairly Felis catus, scoring six points and eight rebounds and making one of three longball attempts. In the final quarter, however, he went total Panthera leo. He sank 3-of-4 from deep in Q4, scoring 13 points and four boards and a plus/minus of +10 to counteract Philly’s attack.

The Knicks needed another offensive contributor with Donte DiVincenzo lost in the weeds. The Knicks’ starting two-guard played just nine post-halftime minutes, during which he scored three points on two shot attempts. Overall he made 30% and finished with eight points, two rebounds and assists, one steal, and a block. He might have withstood the lackluster shooting and played longer if not for multiple mental lapses.

Hart (and McBride) to the rescue. Thibs singled out Josh’s effort in the postgame presser, as you’ll see at the end of the following montage.

Robinson returned to pre-injury form

For the first time since his return from ankle surgery, Mitchell Robinson outplayed Isaiah Hartenstein. After a quiet first half, Hartenstein logged just eight post-intermission minutes, all in the third quarter. During that span he scored no points and was a -13. He wasn’t awful in Q3, grabbing three boards, two assists, and a steal, but Embiid and Philly had him corralled.

How blessed are the Knicks that when their starting center is neutralized, they can bring in the Blockness Monster for a different feel, style, and energy? Yesterday, big Mitch finished with 12 rebounds and added eight points, four blocks, and a steal.

His defense on an admittedly tentative Joel Embiid especially stood out. Overall, the reigning MVP totaled 29 points and added eight rebounds and six assists. In the fourth quarter, however, Embiid looked reluctant to leave his feet, unwilling to get in a jumping match with the tireless Robinson. Joel scored just six points in Q4, all from the charity stripe, plus two assists, and a steal, while missing five shots and grabbing zero boards.

I’ve heard the suggestion that Thibs should start Mitch and McBride for the rest of the series. After a game like yesterday’s, it’s a valid argument. Here’s a supercut of Robinson’s triumphant return to the Playoffs.

Go Knicks!