The Westchester Knicks climbed out of the cellar as Miles McBride continued his stellar G League run.
McBride presided over the Knicks’ 126-99 rout of the undermanned Maine Celtics Wednesday night at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, CT.
The Knicks made 44 field goals off a season-high 31 assists. McBride accounted for more than half with a career-high 16 assists. It was the second-most assists in Westchester Knicks’ history. Lamar Peters holds the record with 19 in 2020.
McBride had a chance to break Peter’s record. But with the Knicks up by 31, McBride left the game for good with still 6:54 left. The career milestone atoned for his shooting struggles. McBride overcame a 1 of 11 shooting nightmare in the first half by going 4 of 9 the rest of the way. He added 16 points, four rebounds, and one steal against three turnovers in 36 minutes.
McBride and the Knicks overwhelmed the Celtics, who were missing their head coach, Jarell Christian (health and safety protocols), and two-way players Sam Hauser and Brodric Thomas.
.@deucemcb11 notched a career-high 16 ASTS to go along with 16 PTS in tonight's 27-point win ?#WatchUsRise pic.twitter.com/VhfIhsrxve
— Westchester Knicks (@wcknicks) January 20, 2022
With McBride’s court vision on full display, the Knicks’ offense flowed with a balanced attack. Three more starters finished in double figures.
Knicks’ two-way player and McBride’s lob partner Jericho Sims was a perfect 7 for 7 from the field. Sims came one rebound shy of a double-double with 14 points and nine boards. His frontcourt partner Aamir Simms knocked down 4 of 5 treys and put up 20 points and 12 rebounds in just 22 minutes. Brandon Williams also had 20 points and five assists.
Jordan Allen came off the bench to fire a career-high 27 points built on nine triples, one shy of the Westchester Knicks’ record.
The Knicks improved to 2-4 with McBride as the difference-maker in both wins.
In Westchesters’ first win of the regular season, McBride recorded multiple career-highs — 39 points and five three-pointers, eight rebounds, and five steals — and seven assists.
Juwan Morgan’s 22 points led the Celtics, who dropped to 2-3.
After his 16-16 effort, the New York Knicks immediately recalled McBride. The Knicks will host the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday at Madison Square Garden.
Currently buried in the point guard depth chart with Kemba Walker healthy again, McBride will continue to get reps in the G League during their home games.
Westchester Knicks will embark on a three-game road trip beginning on Saturday with a rematch against the Celtics. Their next home game is on February 1 against the Delaware Blue Coats.
Follow this writer on Twitter: @alderalmo