In a thrilling Christmas Day showdown at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks emerged victorious over the San Antonio Spurs with a narrow 117-114 win. The spotlight was shared by two standout performers who both scored over 40 points, making this one of the most memorable year-end games in NBA history.
Mikal Bridges led the charge for the Knicks, showcasing exceptional efficiency. He sank 17 of his 25 field goals, including an impressive 6-for-9 from beyond the arc, culminating in a stellar 41-point performance. This marks the second-highest scoring game in Knicks' year-end history, second only to Bernard King's legendary 60-point game in 1984.
On the opposing side, the Spurs' sophomore sensation, Victor Wembanyama, delivered a phenomenal double-double, amassing 42 points and 18 rebounds. He also contributed with four assists, one steal, and four blocks. Wembanyama's remarkable shooting from the field, going 16-for-31, set a new scoring record for a Christmas Day game in Spurs' franchise history. His performance ranks third among all players making their debut on this special occasion, trailing only the iconic performances of Tracy McGrady in 2000 and Wilt Chamberlain in 1959.
This game also marked a rare NBA feat, as it was only the third instance where two players surpassed the 40-point mark on Christmas Day. The electrifying performances by Bridges and Wembanyama not only captivated fans but also set the stage for future high-stakes matchups.
The Knicks' victory adds another exciting chapter to their season, while the Spurs will undoubtedly look to build on Wembanyama's impressive debut performance. As the holiday season continues, fans can look forward to more exhilarating basketball action from these rising stars.
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Mikal Bridges makes Victor Wembanyama's record night less sweet
cgtn.com
