The New York Knicks have weathered their first real storm of the season. After a four-game skid that included losses to the Kings and Mavericks, questions started to bubble up around whether this team was still the Eastern Conference contender many pegged them to be. But instead of spiraling, the Knicks responded - and they did it with grit, depth, and a couple of unsung heroes stepping up in a big way.
A bounce-back road win over the 76ers helped steady the ship, and while Jalen Brunson continues to be the engine driving New York’s offense, it’s the supporting cast that’s quietly holding things together. And if you’re looking for the guys doing the dirty work, look no further than Miles “Deuce” McBride and Landry Shamet.
Depth That Defends
Head coach Mike Brown didn’t hold back after the win in Philly. He singled out McBride and Shamet for their defensive presence - and when you're going up against a backcourt as explosive as Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, that kind of praise isn’t handed out lightly.
“They’re huge,” Brown said. “You don’t stop those types of guys.
But to have a guy like Deuce coming off the bench, to have a guy like Landry - both those guys are physical at the point of attack. To have that type of relentless pursuit with the athleticism, and strength, and toughness, is phenomenal.”
That’s the kind of endorsement that tells you these aren’t just filler minutes. These are impact minutes.
Two-Way Guards Built for the Moment
McBride and Shamet have both missed time this season, but when they’ve been on the floor, they’ve made their presence felt - especially on the defensive end. They're the type of guards who don’t just chase shooters or switch on screens.
They dig in. They fight through picks.
They make life miserable for opposing ball handlers.
And it’s not like they’re liabilities on the other end, either. Both are shooting over 40% from three on solid volume - more than four attempts per game. That kind of two-way production is exactly what playoff teams crave, especially when it comes on team-friendly contracts.
The Guard Room Runs Deep
New York’s backcourt depth might be the most underrated part of this roster. Brunson’s playing at an MVP level, but behind him, the Knicks have a mix of experience and upside with McBride, Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and rookie Tyler Kolek. That’s a lot of versatility to throw at teams - whether you need scoring, defense, or just someone to steady the offense for a few minutes.
McBride brings a bulldog mentality and has grown into one of the team’s most reliable perimeter defenders. Shamet, meanwhile, has always been a knockdown shooter, but he’s showing this season that he can hold his own defensively, especially when matched up against elite guards.
Looking Ahead to the Deadline
With the trade deadline approaching, the Knicks front office will have some decisions to make. McBride and Shamet are exactly the kind of players other teams call about - proven role players who can slide into any rotation and contribute right away.
That doesn’t mean the Knicks are looking to move them, but in a league where stars are always on the move and rosters can shift overnight, it’s something to watch. For now, though, both guards are still in New York, and they’re helping this team get back on track.
Bottom Line
The Knicks are still figuring things out after a mid-season stumble, but their recent wins show a team that’s not just relying on its stars. They’re leaning on depth, defense, and the kind of role players who make a difference when the games really start to matter.
McBride and Shamet may not grab headlines, but make no mistake - they’re playing winning basketball. And in a league where margins are razor-thin, that’s exactly what the Knicks need.