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The New York Knicks came away with a 117-114 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day, and although Victor Wembanyama was the center of attention with 42 points, Mikal Bridges was the star of the game for New York, scoring 41 points.
Bridges joined an exclusive club with the performance, as he became just the third Knicks player ever to score 40+ points on Christmas Day, joining Bernard King (60) and Richie Guerin (40), according to New York Knicks PR.
Down the stretch, Bridges scored many clutch baskets for New York. His scoring was essential to keep up with Wembanyama and the Spurs. With Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns dealing with foul trouble at points, Bridges stepped up and delivered.
This was the type of performance Knicks fans were expecting when the team gave up a bevy of first-round picks to acquire Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets over the summer. Brunson and Towns were not in peak form during the game, but Bridges is that third scorer who can take over when needed. Prior experience as one of the main scoring options with the Nets helps in that regard. It is a big reason why the Knicks acquired Bridges, so it takes less of an effort from other stars like Brunson. Josh Hart expressed that thought after the game.
“Now we're in a position where we don't need JB (Jalen Brunson) to go out and score 30 for us to win,” Hard said, via Adam Zagoria.
Knicks getting hot as Mikal Bridges finds groove
Bridges has turned it on after what was not an ideal start to the season for him individually, and this performance against the Spurs is a comforting one for fans. The Knicks' win-loss record as of late is reflective of Bridges' improved play.
Overall in December, the Knicks are 9-2. That stretch of games started right after Bridges' disappointing showing against the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 29, a game that he ended up being benched in.
After the win over the Spurs on Christmas, the Knicks sit at 20-10 overall. They look to continue to separate themselves from the pack in the Eastern Conference and. chase down the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics as the new year approaches.
