Mikal Bridges erupted for a season-high 41 factors, propelling the New York Knicks to a hard-fought 117-114 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day. Regardless of a historic efficiency by Victor Wembanyama, the Knicks secured their fifth consecutive win to enhance to 20-10.
Bridges shot an environment friendly 17-for-25 from the sector and sank six three-pointers to guide the Knicks. His clutch jumpers within the last moments sealed the win after the Spurs closed the hole to at least one level with two minutes remaining.
Victor Wembanyama, making his Christmas Day debut, delivered a monstrous efficiency for San Antonio. The rookie sensation scored 42 factors, grabbed 18 rebounds, and blocked 4 photographs, breaking the Spurs’ Christmas scoring file beforehand held by LaMarcus Aldridge.
Karl-Anthony Cities contributed 21 factors and 9 rebounds for New York, whereas Jalen Brunson added 20 factors and 9 assists. Josh Hart recorded a double-double with 12 factors, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists, together with two crucial offensive rebounds within the last seconds to safe the win.
Jeremy Sochan was San Antonio’s second-leading scorer, ending with 21 factors and 9 rebounds. Chris Paul chipped in 13 factors and 7 assists, however the Spurs’ incapacity to regulate the boards, giving up 17 offensive rebounds, proved expensive.
The Knicks held a slim lead all through a lot of the sport, with Bridges shouldering the offensive load in a contest marked by back-and-forth runs. Wembanyama saved the Spurs inside placing distance, however New York’s defensive efforts and second-chance alternatives made the distinction.
With this victory, the Knicks stay fifth within the Jap Convention standings and proceed to construct momentum throughout their successful streak. In the meantime, the Spurs, now 15-15, will look to regroup after a troublesome loss that highlighted each their potential and their areas for enchancment.
