Philadelphia, May 10, 2026, 16:01 EDT
Miles McBride got Game 4 going for New York with the one thing he couldn’t deliver two nights ago: buckets. The Knicks guard drilled four threes in the opening quarter, according to CBS Sports’ live play-by-play, stepping in again for OG Anunoby versus the Philadelphia 76ers.
That’s the issue at hand. Anunoby—arguably New York’s top wing defender—missed his second consecutive game due to a right hamstring strain, which forced the Knicks into a smaller rotation as they tried to close out a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Knicks stand a game away from the Eastern Conference finals after their 108-94 win over Philadelphia in Game 3. Jalen Brunson put up 33 points and dished out nine assists, while Mikal Bridges chipped in 23. Joel Embiid came back for the Sixers, but New York managed without Anunoby in the lineup.
McBride got the nod to start Game 4 following an underwhelming Game 3: he managed just three points on 1-of-6 shooting, chipped in two assists, and blocked two shots over 21 minutes. According to RotoWire, he was promoted to the starting lineup after Anunoby was ruled out, but aside from the blocks, McBride didn’t leave much of a mark.
Mike Brown, head coach of the Knicks, didn’t offer much detail ahead of Game 4. “He’s out for tonight but he’s the same thing, he’s day-to-day,” Brown told Reuters. Reuters
Anunoby isn’t only missed for his offense. The Associated Press pegged him as New York’s best defender, noting a postseason average of 21.4 points on 61.9% shooting overall and 53.8% from deep.
After Game 3, John Schuhmann at NBA.com called Anunoby possibly “the most important player” on New York’s regular roster, right behind Brunson. He also pointed out that Philadelphia hadn’t really exploited the Knicks’ decision to put the 6-foot-2 McBride in a slot usually handled by a larger wing. NBA
The McBride story line isn’t just contained to this season. DailyKnicks pointed to his late Game 2 defense as evidence New York might want to hold onto him for the long haul. The guard heads into a contract year in 2026-27, following a reported three-year, $13 million extension.
Still, New York can’t ignore the risk. McBride’s hot start to the quarter isn’t a substitute for Anunoby’s defensive presence against Embiid, Paul George, or Tyrese Maxey. Plus, Anunoby’s hamstring issues haven’t vanished—AP pointed out he injured the same muscle in the second round two years back, sat out four straight, and was on a minutes limit when the Knicks eventually lost to Indiana.
At this stage, the Knicks see it simply. McBride isn’t expected to turn into Anunoby—he just needs to guard his man, hit enough shots to keep Philadelphia from cheating, and give New York some breathing room as Brown holds off, looking for more clarity on the one player the Knicks can’t risk hurrying back.
