Despite being on the losing side as a team on opening night, Miles McBride started the 2024-25 season with a bang individually.

McBride scored 22 points in 25 minutes off the bench for the New York Knicks. He was also extremely efficient, making 8 of 10 shots from the field and 4 of 5 from three-point range. The Knicks' spark plug even provided a few assists.

Damned! pic.twitter.com/VZBznXrTeg

– NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 22, 2024

Like most of his teammates, McBride had a -18 in the game and the Knicks lost to the rival Boston Celtics 132-109. The Celtics, including fellow Mountaineer Joe Mazzulla, received their rings and watched as Boston raised the franchise's 18th banner to honor their NBA championship for the 2023-24 season.

it heats up 🔥@deucemcb11 pic.twitter.com/FOt0YJ5lGH

– NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 23, 2024

McBride ended his third NBA season with the Knicks in May, losing to the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. McBride saw more play, including in the playoffs. McBride averaged 8.3 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 68 regular season games and 11.0 points on 44% shooting in 26.7 minutes per game in the playoffs.

Last December, McBride signed a contract extension with the Knicks for $13 million over the next three years. The Knicks traded away several players throughout the season, allowing McBride to gain more minutes in the rotation.

McBride played two seasons at West Virginia from 2019-21 and led the Mountaineers to an NCAA Tournament appearance in his second year. McBride averaged 15.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game at WVU.

A similar story: WVU and Big 12 alumni are well represented on NBA rosters early in the season.

For more coverage of Miles McBride in the NBA, stay tuned to WV Sports Now.