Additional Coverage:
- Victor Wembanyama puts up 42 points in Christmas Day debut (newsbreak.com)
Victor Wembanyama Drops 42 on Knicks in Christmas Debut
On Christmas Day, the eyes of the NBA were on New York’s Madison Square Garden as Victor Wembanyama made his holiday debut. The towering French star put on a show, scoring a game-high 42 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a narrow 117-114 victory over the New York Knicks.
Wembanyama’s performance was truly remarkable. He became the third player in NBA history to score 40 points and grab 15 rebounds in a Christmas game, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Nikola Jokic. His 42 points also rank third all-time for a Christmas Day debutant.
Despite the impressive numbers, Wembanyama was not fully satisfied. He acknowledged the Spurs’ close loss and the need for improvement in key areas.
The Knicks fought hard, with Mikal Bridges scoring 41 points. However, Wembanyama’s size and skill proved too much to overcome. He blocked four shots and held Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to a combined 1-of-9 shooting when he was the closest defender.
Wembanyama’s impact extends beyond his individual stats. He has become a force on both ends of the court, leading the league in consecutive games with at least four 3-pointers and four blocks.
Despite the loss, the Spurs showed their potential with Wembanyama leading the charge. As the season progresses, they aim to translate their individual brilliance into team success.
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- Victor Wembanyama puts up 42 points in Christmas Day debut (newsbreak.com)