MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — For West Virginia fans, Saturday night was another reminder of just how special Miles “Deuce” McBride’s basketball journey has become.
The former Mountaineer guard is now an NBA Champion after helping the New York Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs 94-90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to capture the franchise’s first championship since 1973. The victory completed a remarkable postseason run for New York and marked the biggest accomplishment yet in McBride’s professional career.
for the boroughs and Knicks fans around the world 🏆 pic.twitter.com/tsqfmm0Bd8
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 14, 2026
While Jalen Brunson stole the headlines with a historic 45-point performance and earned Finals MVP honors, McBride played an important role throughout New York’s championship season. During the 2025-26 regular season, McBride averaged 12.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while becoming one of the Knicks’ most reliable perimeter defenders and a key member of the rotation.
In the playoffs, McBride appeared in 16 games and averaged 6.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per contest while providing valuable depth off the bench during New York’s championship run. Although his offensive numbers dipped during the NBA Finals, his defensive effort and energy remained important as the Knicks battled their way to the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
For West Virginia fans, seeing McBride reach the top of the basketball world is hardly surprising. During his two seasons in Morgantown, Deuce developed into one of the best guards in the country under Bob Huggins. As a sophomore during the 2020-21 season, he averaged 15.9 points, 4.8 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game while helping lead the Mountaineers to a 19-10 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament. His outstanding play earned him All-Big 12 First Team honors, Big 12 All-Defensive Team recognition, and honorable mention All-American status before declaring for the NBA Draft.
McBride quickly became a fan favorite in Morgantown because of his toughness, relentless defense, and fearless mentality. Whether it was locking down opposing guards, knocking down clutch shots, or diving on the floor for loose balls, he embodied everything West Virginia fans love about Mountaineer basketball.
Now, just a few years after hearing his name called in the 2021 NBA Draft, McBride has accomplished something every basketball player dreams about. He is officially an NBA Champion.
From the Coliseum to Madison Square Garden, Deuce McBride continues to make West Virginia proud. Saturday night’s championship celebration in New York was another chapter in what has already become one of the greatest success stories to come out of West Virginia’s program in recent years.
