Miles McBride returned to the Knicks‘ lineup on Sunday after missing 28 games while recovering from sports hernia surgery, but the reserve guard appeared to reinjure his groin area in the third quarter of a loss to Oklahoma City, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post.
The injury happened when McBride landed on Luguentz Dort as they were both diving for a loose ball (Twitter video link from New York Basketball).
“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 told reporters before the game that he was looking forward to having McBride as part of his bench unit again. McBride’s shot was off Sunday as he missed all three attempts in 11 minutes, but he has proven during his five years in New York that he can be a valuable presence on both ends of the court.
“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.”
Although injuries have limited him to 36 games, McBride is in the midst of his best statistical season. He’s averaging a career-high 12.5 points in 27.5 minutes per night while shooting 43% from the field and 41.5% from three-point range.
There was no update after the game on how serious the injury might be, but teammate Jalen Brunson expressed confidence that McBride can 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 may be getting some positive injury news soon, Bondy adds, as Landry Shamet will accompany the team on its two-game road trip to Houston and Memphis. The veteran guard has missed the past four games with a bone bruise in his right knee.