New York Knicks captured their second NBA championship in franchise history, clinching the series with a dominant display that saw them set a postseason record for three‑point shooting. Among the contributors was Miles McBride, a former West Virginia University guard whose playoff debut came after a season marred by injuries.
A Mountaineer’s Moment
McBride’s impact was most evident in Game 2 of the series, where he poured in six points, and again in the decisive Game 5, when he erupted for 25 points, hitting seven of eight three‑point attempts. That performance not only set a personal high but also tied the Knicks’ record for most threes in a single playoff game.
The achievement places McBride in a rare lineage of Mountaineers who have reached the NBA Finals. The last West Virginia alum to appear in a championship round was Jevon Carter with the Phoenix Suns in 2021, while Jerome Anderson had done so with the Boston Celtics back in 1976.
Legacy and Future
McBride’s championship ring joins a storied narrative of West Virginia alumni who have left their mark on basketball’s biggest stages. From Carter’s defensive prowess to Anderson’s early championship pedigree, the Mountaineer imprint on the NBA continues to expand.
With a contract extension on the horizon and a growing reputation as a clutch shooter, McBride is poised to become a cornerstone for the Knicks. His journey also reflects the broader impact of college programs in nurturing talent that can compete at the highest levels.