Merry Christmas, basketball fans! The NBA is celebrating the holiday with more than 12 nonstop hours of hoops today, featuring five star-studded games. The festivities kicked off at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks faced the San Antonio Spurs during the league's 77th Christmas Day celebration.
French phenom Victor Wembanyama, who has been making headlines with his phenomenal play, made his Christmas Day debut. His performance so far this season has been nothing short of impressive, averaging 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, and four blocks per game. Coming off the successes of the previous season, the Spurs currently sit at ninth place in the Western Conference, buoyed by the addition of veteran guard Chris Paul.
The Knicks, on the other hand, entered the holiday matchup strong, holding third place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 19-10. Karl Anthony Towns, now with the Knicks after being traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves, has had a stellar year, averaging 24.7 points and leading the league with 13.9 rebounds per game. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson have also stepped up, averaging over 17 points each this season.
The NBA Christmas Day games are significant occasions, often featuring marquee matchups. The Knicks have the most Christmas game appearances of any team, their first game dating back to 1947 at Madison Square Garden. Today marks their 57th game on this festive day, solidifying their legacy within the league.
Fans tuned in to see the early action at noon Eastern, with the game broadcasted live on ABC and ESPN. There are also streaming options available through Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, and ESPN+ for those who opt for digital platforms.
What makes this year's schedule even more exciting is the animated alternate broadcast of the Knicks vs. Spurs matchup. A special presentation featuring Mickey Mouse and friends will air on ESPN2 and streaming services like Disney+, showcasing the game from a unique perspective. It’s the first time the NBA has presented a game with such animation, adding festive whimsy to the holiday tradition.
Wembanyama had expressed his excitement leading up to the game, stating, "Very excited, of course. First of all, spending Christmas in New York, it’s going to be like the movies, I hope. Get a little snow.” His wish for light snow, which officially began falling on Tuesday morning, added to the enchanting atmosphere of his first Christmas game experience.
From the outset, the matchup displayed high intensity. At halftime, the Spurs were leading the Knicks 58-51. Wembanyama showcased his prowess, already scoring 24 points on 9-for-18 shooting and adding 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks by then. Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges was holding his own, contributing 16 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
Heading toward the second half, the Knicks sought to turn the tables. Bridges arrived with fresh momentum after hitting three consecutive three-pointers, having scored 35 points overall after his impressive run. The third quarter proved to be pivotal, with the Knicks outscoring the Spurs 37-25 and narrowing the deficit as they sought to rally from behind.
While Wembanyama dominated with 31 points and 13 rebounds, the team's overall performance was marked by turnovers; San Antonio had committed 13, compared to the Knicks' four, indicating areas needing improvement for the Spurs as the game progressed. Karl Anthony Towns also made important contributions, helping push the Knicks forward with his deep three-point shot late in the third quarter.
The stakes are high for both teams as they look to establish dominance not just today but for the rest of the season. The Knicks are eager to fend off any slip-ups, ensuring their position as one of the top teams in the league, whereas the Spurs aim to leverage their young talent's potential, setting the stage for future success.
NBA games on Christmas have become synonymous with holiday traditions for basketball lovers across the country. The league's decision to continue with such memorable matchups ensures fans are treated to exciting basketball as they gather for the holidays.
With the day's festivities still underway, fans are eagerly anticipating the later matchups as well, including the showdown featuring LeBron James' Lakers facing the Warriors, and the Nuggets taking on the Suns—which should be another nail-biter.
Indeed, this Christmas Day serves not just as another date on the calendar but as a celebration of basketball's enduring legacy and the joy it brings to fans during this festive season. Mikal Bridges’ shooting magic, Victor Wembanyama’s rising star power, and the drama of the Knicks-Spurs duel promise to keep basketball fans thrilled throughout this vibrant holiday.
