Mikal Bridges and the Knicks spoil Victor Wembanyama’s monster Christmas debut at Madison Square Garden (Video)

Victor Wembanyama made his Christmas debut for the ages.

It just wasn’t enough for a win at Madison Square Garden.

Mikal Bridges countered Wembanyama’s big game with a 41-point effort to lead New York past the San Antonio Spurs in a 117-114 Knicks victory. The Knicks went on a 9-0 run to overcome a 102-94 deficit in the final seven minutes and secure the victory.

New York overcame 42 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, four blocks and 6 3-pointers from Wembanyama in the process. The effort marks the third-highest score for a player on his Christmas Day debut, three points shy of Will Chamberlain’s record of 45. He is the first player to post more than 40 points, more than 15 rebounds and more than five 3-pointers. in a Christmas game.

But the Knicks were the better team on Wednesday.

The game went back and forth from the start as the Knicks opened a 28-27 lead in the first quarter. Wembanyama overcame a 1-of-5 start from the field to post 24 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks with four 3-pointers in the first half as the Spurs took a 58-51 lead into the break.

Wembanyama continued his 3-point attack in the third quarter en route to a 6-of-16 effort from long range.

But it was New York that took control in the third quarter to lead 88-83 in the fourth quarter. The Spurs responded with a 19-6 run to start the fourth and open an eight-point lead. But Bridges, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby responded with three straight Knick 3-pointers to regain the lead at 103-102.

The lead changed four times from there before New York took control for good. Bridges helped secure the victory with a drive and pull-up from the wing with 1:18 left, putting New York up 116-111.

The bucket was Bridges’ last of the game. He finished with 41 points, four assists and two blocks while shooting 6 of 9 from 3-point range.

Karl-Anthony Towns battled with Wembanyama for much of the game and finished with 21 points, nine rebounds and two assists. Jalen Brunson added 20 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.

Jeremy Sochan added 21 points and nine rebounds for the Spurs, while Chris Paul had 13 points, seven assists and six rebounds.

This made a perfect Christmas present for Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden. They were treated to a spectacle from one of the best players in the world and walked out of the arena to celebrate a Knicks victory.