Knicks outlast Spurs in Christmas thriller despite Wembanyama’s 42-point performance
Mikal Bridges put on a show on Christmas Day, scoring a season-high 41 points to lead the New York Knicks to a thrilling 117-114 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Despite a stellar performance from Victor Wembanyama, who dropped 42 points and set a Spurs record for points on the holiday, the Knicks managed to hold on for their fifth consecutive win.
Bridges was incredibly efficient, shooting 17 for 25 from the field and knocking down 6 of 9 from behind the arc. Karl-Anthony Towns chipped in with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 20 points to help secure the win for the Knicks. Josh Hart also had a solid all-around game, finishing with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.
On the Spurs side, Jeremy Sochan contributed 21 points and nine rebounds in a losing effort. Wembanyama’s impressive performance included 18 rebounds, four assists, and four blocked shots, showcasing his versatility on the court.
In another Christmas Day matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves managed to fend off the Dallas Mavericks for a 105-99 victory. Anthony Edwards led the way with 26 points, while Luka Doncic left the game with a strained left calf, dampening the excitement of a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals.
Despite a 39-point outing from Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks fell short in their comeback attempt after trailing by as much as 28 points. Rudy Gobert provided a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who held on for the win.
In a closely contested game, the Philadelphia 76ers emerged victorious over the Boston Celtics with a score of 118-114. Joel Embiid bounced back from a pregame fall to score 27 points and grab nine rebounds, leading the Sixers to the win. Tyrese Maxey had a standout performance with 33 points and 12 assists, while Caleb Martin added 23 points, hitting 7 of 9 from three-point range.
Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 32 points and 15 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White also had solid performances for Boston, but they ultimately fell short in their comeback bid.
Overall, Christmas Day provided basketball fans with a series of exciting matchups and standout performances from some of the league’s top players. The holiday spirit was alive and well on the court as teams battled it out for victory in front of a festive crowd.
