In a breakout postseason performance, Miles McBride played the entire fourth quarter of a game, relegating starting guard Donte DiVincenzo to the bench for those minutes. DiVincenzo had a quiet showing in Game 1, finishing with eight points on 3-for-10 shooting and a minus-23 rating in 24 minutes, none of which were in the fourth quarter. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized the team’s sacrifice and the need for everyone to contribute for the best chance of winning.
DiVincenzo had been a key player for the Knicks, averaging 34.4 minutes and 19.2 points per game in his final 50 starts before the trade of RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. After injuries to Julius Randle and OG Anunoby in late January, his numbers increased to 38.2 minutes and 21.0 points in 35 appearances. McBride, on the other hand, had a stellar performance with 21 points and a plus-37 rating in 28 minutes off the bench, making 5 of 7 three-point shots. Bojan Bogdanovic also contributed with 13 points, seven rebounds, and a plus-27 rating in Game 1.
Despite the decreased minutes for players like Achiuwa due to the returns of injured players, Thibodeau emphasized the importance of every player in the playoffs and the need for readiness when opportunities arise. Bogdanovic, a 10-year NBA veteran with previous postseason experience, highlighted the necessity of waiting for one’s moment in the game. Thibodeau stressed the importance of experience in contributing to the team’s success in key moments, as demonstrated by Bogdanovic’s performance in Game 1.
Thibodeau’s emphasis on a shortened rotation in the playoffs led to Achiuwa not playing in Game 1. However, he acknowledged the potential for rotations to change at any moment and the need for everyone to be prepared to contribute when called upon. With McBride’s breakout performance, DiVincenzo’s decreased minutes, and Bogdanovic’s veteran experience providing valuable contributions, the Knicks have a well-rounded roster that can adapt to different situations in the postseason. Thibodeau’s team-first approach and emphasis on sacrifice and readiness highlight the importance of every player in pursuing success in the playoffs.
