Victor Wembanyama almost played the Grinch, dazzling Madison Square Garden with the hope of making the day a bad Christmas for the Knicks.
The 7-foot-3 rookie phenom was dominant in the early minutes of the game, where they scored 20 points, held on to 11 rebounds, and also gave four assists in a unique first half that ensured that the Spurs stole a seven-point lead before the break.
It was not an easy game for the Knicks early in the game, where they missed 15 of their first 16 three-point attempts, but Mikal Bridges helped his side to keep them afloat with 16 first-half points on remarkable shooting.
In a collaboration, the squad stole the win on Christmas Day; Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points, including nine rebounds, while Jalen Brunson also added 20 points and nine assists.
The Knicks adjusted in the second half, where they consistently attacked Victor Wembanyama. Karl-Anthony Towns led a 15-6 third-quarter streak and a three-pointer against Victor Wembanyama. Bridges scored 15 points in the final quarter; the Knicks made a surprising 117-114 comeback, putting Wembanyama at the low in the last 7:44.
The Knicks victory was sealed the moment that Josh Hart’s defensive hustle and rebounding, combined with OG Anunoby’s contributions, improved their record to 20-10 on a festive holiday evening.