The New York Knicks welcomed back Miles McBride on Sunday after a lengthy absence, but his return may have been cut short by another injury.
After missing 28 games following sports hernia surgery, McBride appeared to aggravate his groin in the third quarter of a loss to Oklahoma City, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post, after colliding with Luguentz Dort while chasing a loose ball.
“I haven’t talked to medical yet, so I don’t know how bad it is. But it’s tough,” coach Mike Brown said. “He’s worked his tail off to be back. And I don’t think he made a shot in the first half, but he gave us a lift. You felt his presence. It made us deeper. And because of the foul trouble we had, we were a little shorthanded in that second half, and it was part of the reason they were able to pull away, too.”
Brown had been eager to have McBride back in the rotation. Though he went 0-for-3 in 11 minutes, his defensive presence and versatility stood out.
“Deuce was one of our best on-ball defenders, especially when it comes to the pick and roll. He’s quick, and he’s strong, gets over screens well. He’ll get into the ball,” Brown said. “Obviously, he shoots the ball from range at a high level. He can go get his shot, too. And then he’s versatile in terms of playing on the ball, off the ball. He gives us a nice punch.”
Even with injuries limiting him to 36 games, McBride is putting together a career-best season, averaging 12.5 points while shooting 43% from the field and 41.5% from three-point range.
There was no immediate update on the injury, but teammate Jalen Brunson expressed optimism about his return.
“It’s tough. He’ll be back,” Brunson said. “He works too hard. So obviously, it’s a tough thing to see. We want him back 100 percent healthy (and) ready to go.”
The Knicks could soon receive additional help, as Landry Shamet is expected to travel with the team on its upcoming road trip after missing four games with a knee bone bruise.
Knicks Guard Miles McBride Injured In Return From Surgery pic.twitter.com/Ds35Iry6lS
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 30, 2026