Knicks 117, Spurs 114: Scenes from the Mikal matinee

12/25/2024 02:43 PM

Bridges hits a new season-high in a new Christmas classic.

Marley was dead, but Mikal was decidedly not.

In today's Christmas Day matinee, despite Mikal Bridges' sharp shooting for the New York Knicks (20-10), the San Antonio Spurs (15-15) took a 58-51 lead at halftime, thanks to Wemby's 24 points. Bridges helped the Knicks win the third quarter by 12, and, with Karl-Anthony Towns in foul trouble, Mikal and Wemby duked it out down the stretch. Two scrambling Josh Hart offensive boards in the final 20 seconds drove the holiday crowd to hysterics and New York escaped with a 117-114 win.

Mikal Bridges scored a season-high 41 points, the third Knick to score 40+ in a Christmas Day game and the second-most points in franchise holiday history. He accomplished this on 17-of-25 shooting, including 6-of-9 from deep, plus he added four assists, two steals, and two blocks. It was a performance for the ages, and it was necessary to counteract Wemby's 42-point, 18-board double-double.

Karl-Anthony Towns had his streak of double-doubles end at 18, with foul trouble limiting him to 21 points and nine rebounds. Jalen Brunson had another off-shooting night, but finished with 20 points and nine assists in his 38 minutes. OG Anunoby was quiet on the statsheet with eight points, but finished with a team-high +13 plus-minus. And Josh Hart, a hero in the fourth quarter, logged a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double overall.

One of the greatest Christmas games this writer's ever seen. What a season.

First Half

Making his Christmas Game debut, Victor Wembanyama, who must be handy with Christmas tree decorations, missed five of six shots to start the game before finding his stroke. Speaking of poor shooting, the Knicks missed 15 of their first 17 three-point attempts. An abundance of offensive rebounds and defensive effort kept New York ahead after one quarter, but they surrendered eight unanswered in the second to fall behind.

Who didn't shoot like garbage? Mikal Bridges, making his first seven field goals. Thanks to him, Jalen Brunson, and an improbable Precious Achiuwa corner triple, the Knicks answered with a run of their own to reclaim the lead. 'Twas not sustainable, however, and thanks to 24 points from Wemby, the Spurs were ahead 58-51 at intermission.

Hard to win a game by shooting 20-of-51 from the field and 4-of-21 from deep, and by losing on the glass.

Second Half

A 15-6 stretch, capped by a Karl-Anthony Towns triple, to start the second half put the Knicks ahead again. Wemby, Jeremy Sochan, and Devin Vassell kept the visitors competitive, but New York won the quarter 37-25 thanks to a 10-0 run at the end.

Our heroes started the final frame with an 88-83 lead, but allowed a 19-6 run to nullify their good fortune. With Towns in foul trouble, a win against the lanky bunch seemed dubious with half a quarter left. But Bridges continued to played genius basketball on both ends, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Deuce McBride added treys, and this tilt teetered back and forth down the stretch. Somehow, Josh Hart eluded a courtful of Spurs to corral two offensive rebounds in the final 20 seconds to secure the win in a new Christmas classic.

Up Next

Kento Kato has a proper recap for you. The Knicks pack the sled and travel to Orlando on Friday, the Washington on Saturday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Box Score