While he may not have had the most productive series in the 2026 NBA Eastern Conference Finals, former WVU Men’s Basketball great Miles “Deuce” McBride is part of a memorable team. McBride has put together the best year of his young career, averaging 12 points per game on the first New York Knicks squad to reach the NBA Finals since 1999. Read more: Miles McBride becomes sixth Mountaineer to reach NBA Finals.
McBride joins elite company (a select few, at that), becoming only the sixth WVU Men’s Basketball alumnus to reach the NBA’s championship series.
The former Mountaineer helped propel the Knicks to a convincing 130-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4, solidifying a second straight series sweep. McBride finished Monday’s contest with 11 points, making the most of his 17 minutes of playing time.
Quiet start, efficient finish
Similar to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, McBride saved his best work for the sweep-clinching runaway win. It was not until Game 4 against the Philadelphia 76ers on May 10 when the former Mountaineer heated up for 25 points in a familiar blowout.
Related: Former Mountaineer Miles McBride seals Knicks’ series win
McBride combined for 10 points through the first three games of the ECF (0, 5, 5), leaving the heavy lifting to the cream-of-the-crop stars surrounding him. The Cincinnati native came out red-hot in his home state of Ohio, helping the Knicks snuff out the Cavs’ proverbial candle.
It did not take long before he outperformed the combined outputs of the first three games, racking up 11 total points. To add, McBride was efficient in his efforts. The 6’2 guard finished the Memorial Day outing, sinking 4-6 from the field (3-5 beyond the arc).
McBride made other impacts beyond the scoreboard, rounding out his night with three steals, two rebounds, and two assists. He was one of six players to score more than 10 points, ending Cleveland’s dying wishes for an improbable comeback.
One of few
The other five Mountaineers to make it to the grandest stage in the NBA are program legends in their own right. Just look at who McBride joins following Monday’s win;
- Jevon Carter (Suns, 2021)
- Jerome Anderson (Celtics, 1976)
- Rod Hundley, Jerry West, Fritz Williams (Lakers, various years)
A few of WVU’s all-time greats, including “The Logo” himself.
Future impact
“Deuce” may not be the marquee star on a Knicks team boasting the likes of Jalen Brunson, Makai Bridges, and Karl-Anthony Towns, but he is part of the reason NYK has made it to this point. Not every role player can come out and average 12 PPG through the season, stepping up when needed.
It may feel like a long shot, but expect McBride to have an impact in this year’s NBA Finals. It is worth tuning in to find out, if you are a WVU fan who follows players who used to don the old gold and blue.
Once again, a Mountaineer has found the lights that shine the brightest and found a way to be involved.
Realistically, expect McBride to play 8-12 minutes in the NBA Finals, regardless of who the Knicks play. He can make waves if he gets hot at the right time. You never know, it could be one legendary story. Whether “Deuce” scores one point or 80, WVU fans can enjoy seeing one of their past star athlete’s take to the biggest stage in American basketball.
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