New York City, December 25 — In a thrilling Christmas Day showdown at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks edged out the San Antonio Spurs 117-114, despite a record-breaking performance from Spurs’ rising star Victor Wembanyama. The game featured a spectacular exchange of 40-plus-point performances between Wembanyama and Knicks’ standout Mikal Bridges, captivating basketball fans around the world.
Wembanyama, in his sophomore season, delivered an astounding double-double, scoring 42 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. Shooting 16-for-31 from the field, he also contributed four assists, one steal, and four blocks. His 42-point effort set a new scoring record for a Christmas Day game in Spurs’ franchise history and ranks as the third-highest debut performance on this festive occasion, trailing only Tracy McGrady’s 43 points in 2000 and Wilt Chamberlain’s 45 points in 1959.
However, Bridges matched Wembanyama’s brilliance with an equally impressive display. He showcased remarkable efficiency, converting 17 of his 25 field goal attempts, including an impressive 6-for-9 from three-point range, culminating in 41 points for the Knicks. This performance marks the second-highest score in a year-end game in Knicks’ history, second only to Bernard King’s legendary 60-point game in 1984. Notably, this game was just the third instance in NBA history where two players exceeded 40 points on Christmas Day.
The nail-biting victory adds a significant chapter to the Knicks’ season and highlights the burgeoning talents of both Bridges and Wembanyama. Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about the future potential of these young athletes, whose performances are indicative of a new generation of basketball excellence.
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Mikal Bridges makes Victor Wembanyama's record night less sweet
cgtn.com
