For his first Christmas match, Victor Wembanyama is at Madison Square Garden, but the light does not frighten the Frenchman, who does not hesitate to take his chances in the first quarter, then in the second.
At the break, “Wemby” is already at 24 points on 9/18 shooting, 11 rebounds and 4 assists, and the Spurs are in the lead (51-58), taking advantage of counter-attacks to hurt the retreat sometimes suspect defense of the Knicks. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby are well contained, but Mikal Bridges is on the other hand in a good evening.
The recovery is more delicate for the Spurs, while the trio Brunson – Bridges – Towns makes the powder speak to regain control of the game.
Less flamboyant in the third quarter, Victor Wembanyama relaunched in the final period, and San Antonio recovered. There is still only one point difference (112-111) at the start of the last two minutes but Mikal Bridges, with confidence, will look for his spots at mid-distance, to score two baskets which boost the lead. 'gap !
Opposite, “Wemby” misses an important shot and if Chris Paul keeps his team alive at 3-points, the Spurs will ultimately never have the opportunity to snatch victory in the final seconds, the offensive rebounds of Josh Hart allowing New York to deprive San Antonio of final ammunition…
It is therefore the Knicks who win (117-114) at the end of a match which perfectly launches the Christmas marathon.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The crazy duel between Victor Wembanyama and Mikal Bridges. 42 points at 16/31 shooting, 18 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks for Victor Wembanyama, 41 points at 17/25 and 4 assists for Mikal Bridges. It's the first time since 1961 that two opponents have reached the 40-point mark during a Christmas match, and it made for an epic encounter, between a sickening “Wemby”, particularly in the first half, and a Mikal Bridges of monstrous efficiency and confidence, especially in taking in the important shots that sealed the match…
– Knicks offensive rebounds. We will obviously remember the duel between Victor Wembanyama and Mikal Bridges from this match, but the Knicks' 17 offensive rebounds also hurt the Spurs very badly. Notably those of Josh Hart in the final seconds, which allowed New York to deprive San Antonio of ammunition.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
