The New York Knicks took on the Los Angeles Lakers in Las Vegas on Wednesday night. Second-round draft pick, Miles McBride lit up MGM Resorts. The 20-year old out of West Virginia University had onlookers wondering if he’s been in the NBA in his past life. Is he a rookie or a vet? If he had not been so young, the average fan definitely would not be able to tell.
New York got off to an early 8-0 start. However, a 3-pointer by Vic Law put the first points on the board for Los Angeles. From there, they tried to keep up with New York, making it a 2-point game near the halfway mark. Still, the majority of the quarter was in favor of the Big Apple. They went into the second up 25-20.
Only 2 minutes into the second quarter though, it was a 1-point game. Although it was tight down the stretch, each time Los Angeles tried to come back, New York had an answer. By halftime the team led by 7. It was a 40-33 game at the break.
Quick and His Rookies Electrify
A Los Angeles turnover halfway through the third quarter resulted in Grimes going down the court and knocking down a layup. He put New York up by 7 once again. It was not too long before Los Angeles attempted another comeback though. With just about 4 minutes left, it was all tied at 50. Nonetheless, back-to-back 3’s by McBride kept New York up by 2.
The fourth quarter started with a series of free throws. Los Angeles took a 61-58 lead, but New York came back yet again. With a bit under 5 minutes left in the game, Immanuel Quickley made a driving layup to put his team up 6. Justin Robinson gave Los Angeles some leeway, but New York ended the quarter on a 7-2 run. They went on to win it 91-82.
Leading Scorers
Quickley led the team with 25 points. McBride finished with 22 points on 6-for-6 from 3-point range. The first and second-year stars combined for 47 points, 12 assists, and 58% from the field. Both were 100% from the line as well.
McBride gave Knicks fans a glimpse of his go-hard attitude that they will most likely see throughout the season.
“It’s just about staying ready, so you don’t have to get read,” he said. “I mean the ball’s going to find me and I’m going to make open shots, that’s what I do.”
