NBA Christmas 2024: Knicks hold off Wembanyama’s monster holiday debut

Mikal Bridges scored a season-high 41 points, and the New York Knicks outlasted 42 points from Victor Wembanyama in a monstrous Christmas debut to beat the San Antonio Spurs 117-114 on Wednesday.

Wembanyama set a Spurs record for points over the holidays, adding 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots. The reigning Western Conference Player of the Week made six 3-pointers.

But Bridges shot 17 for 25 from the field, 6 for 9 behind the arc, to ensure the Knicks had just enough offense to win their fifth in a row and improve to 20-10.

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.

Jeremy Sochan had 21 points and nine rebounds for the Spurs.

San Antonio had a chance to pull off a blowout win, but gave up 17 offensive rebounds and ultimately couldn’t get their hands on the ball, with Hart grabbing two misses in the final half minute to run out the clock.

Bridges is often needed more on defense than offense in his first season with the Knicks, but he reminded people Wednesday how good he can be with the ball in his hands.

The Spurs pulled within one point with two minutes left on two Chris Paul free throws before Bridges made consecutive jumpers for a five-point lead with 1:18 to play.

Wembanyama broke Spurs’ record for points at Christmas. LaMarcus Aldridge had 33 in 2016.

The Spurs remain in New York on Friday to visit Brooklyn, while the Knicks visit Orlando on Friday.