Deuce McBride challenges the Knicks defense after nodding

NEW YORK – Is it too late for a New Year’s resolution? Not for New York Knickswho defeated the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night ostensibly loaded defense. Instead of starting a healthy Mitchell Robinson, the head coach Mike Brown he nodded to Miles “Deuce” McBride. The result was a 123-111 victory, completing the team’s victory four-game losing streak.

While MVP candidate Jalen Brunson led the way with 26 points, McBride was the spark who lit the fuse. The fifth-year guard hit four 3-pointers in the first half and finished with 16 points. He was named “defensive player of the game” by the coaching staff, a light-hearted honor bestowed by the team after victories. Asked about McBride’s impact, the coach pointed to the Clippers’ defensive choices.

“He’s got to be guarded,” Brown said of the 45.3% 3-point shooter this season. “During the game, they had Kawhi on him. Who would have thought that OG and Mikal and some of these other guys were on the floor and Kawhi was paired with Deuce?”

While Brown first noted that he started McBride because of his shooting “there is room for everyone,” the coach’s biggest praise was for the 25-year-old’s defense.

“Defensively, like you said,” Brown told ClutchPoints after the game, “he’s an extremely good on-ball defender. Especially in the pick-and-roll game. He’s strong, he’s powerful, he’s quick, he’s athletic and he’s a little longer than you think.” The coach reiterated that McBride’s “fantastic” technique when guarding pick-and-rolls negates his strengths.

Brown was hesitant when asked if the lineup change was permanent, noting that the game against the Clippers played a factor. He also said it wasn’t entirely up to their opponent.

Brown’s roster change puts the onus on the Knicks’ players in the midst of a slump

Before the lineup change was made public, Brown subtly signaled that something was coming. Asked before the game about how the team actually deals with its consistency struggles with carnalitythe coach pointed to two factors beyond their preparation in practice.

“I’ve got to keep finding ways to help them out here … we’re trying different things to help them do that. But at the end of the day, also, when teams are in you, sometimes you just have to go through them and touch that paint,” Brown said while demonstrating a drive and layup.

“If they exist.” two or three guys that collapse, you have to play with two (feet), and you have to spray it. So there’s nothing magical, you know?” the coach added. Inserting McBride into the starting lineup seemed like the Browns were finding a way to help their players.

As for the Knicks themselves, their head coach says their “aggression definitely has to come through.” That didn’t happen in December, when the team 46.5 drives per game were 16th in the NBA. That was a step back from November, when they averaged eighth at 52.5 per game.

They’re back to averaging 52.5 drives to start 2026 after posting 51 against the Clippers. It’s a small sample, but it indicates the Knicks’ awareness of their coach’s philosophy. Clarity on whether they will continue to execute him and whether McBride will continue to start will come on their upcoming road trip.