NBA: Knicks withstand Wembanyama’s monster Christmas debut beat Spurs
New York Knicks’ Mikal Bridges, center, puts up a shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
NEW YORK — Mikal Bridges scored a season-high 41 points, and the New York Knicks overcame 42 from Victor Wembanyama in a monster Christmas debut to edge the San Antonio Spurs 117-114 on Wednesday.
Wembanyama set a Spurs’ record for points on the holiday and added 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots. The reigning Western Conference player of the week made six 3-pointers.
Article continues after this advertisementBut Bridges shot 17 for 25 from the field, 6 for 9 behind the arc, to make sure the Knicks had just enough offense to win their fifth in a row and improve to 20-10.
READ: NBA: Knicks look to stand tall vs Wembanyama, Spurs
feeling merry and bright ⭐️
Mikal 41 PTS | 4 AST | 2 STL
KAT 21 PTS | 9 REB | 2 AST
Jalen 20 PTS | 9 AST | 7 REB
Josh 12 PTS | 12 REB | 6 AST | 2 STL pic.twitter.com/12WT6HhlP0— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 25, 2024
Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and nine rebounds, and Jalen Brunson scored 20 points. Josh Hart finished with 12 points, 12 boards and six assists.
Article continues after this advertisementJeremy Sochan had 21 points and nine rebounds for the Spurs.
Takeaways
Spurs: San Antonio had a chance to pull out a terrific win but gave up 17 offensive rebounds and was unable to get its hands on the ball at the end, with Hart grabbing two misses in the final half-minute to run out the clock.
Knicks: Bridges is often needed more for his defense than offense in his first season with the Knicks, but he reminded people on Wednesday just how good he can be with the ball in his hands.
READ: Trae Young, Hawks charge past Knicks into NBA Cup semifinal
Key moment
The Spurs were within one point with two minutes to go after two free throws by Chris Paul before Bridges made consecutive jumpers for a five-point lead with 1:18 to play.
Key stat
Wembanyama broke the Spurs’ record for points on Christmas. LaMarcus Aldridge had 33 in 2016.
Up next
The Spurs remain in New York to visit Brooklyn on Friday, while the Knicks visit Orlando on Friday.
