Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks
Today at 03:00 AM
Victor Wembanyama looks for his Madison Square Garden redemption on Christmas Day.
Today is one of the biggest days of the year... Victor Wembanyama returns to Madison Square Garden.
Sorry, I'm being told it's also Christmas Day. Weird. I thought it was just a basketball holiday.
This will be the first of many Christmas games for the Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs. They'll face the New York Knicks, one of the best teams in the NBA. The Knicks have a top-10 offense and defense, making them one of the toughest teams the Spurs have played this season.
Wembanyama has a history with the Knicks. In his MSG debut last season, he was physically dominated by the Knicks front line of Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein. He got the better of them in a big way late last year when he had a 40-point, 20-rebound game in a San Antonio overtime win.
Now Hartenstein and Robinson have been replaced by star center Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Knicks have added two-way wing Mikal Bridges. The Spurs and Wembanyama will have their hands full as they look to deliver Spurs fans a victory for Christmas.
San Antonio Spurs (15-14) at New York Knicks (19-10)
December 25th, 2024 | 11 AM CT
Watch: ESPN | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)
Spurs Injuries: No inactives.
Knicks Injuries: Boo Buie III – Out (G League), Kevin McCullar Jr. – Out (G League), Mitchell Robinson – Out (ankle)
What to watch for
Containing Jalen Brunson
Towns and Jalen Brunson have become one of the best duos in the NBA. Brunson provides a unique challenge with his combination of touch, strength, and foul-drawing ability. He's averaging 25.8 points and 7.9 assists while shooting 48.8% from the field and 43.4% from three. It's hard to hide any individual defender against the Knicks with big wings like OG Anunoby, Bridges, and Josh Hart filling out the starting five. It will be interesting to see if Mitch Johnson puts Jeremy Sochan, the Spurs' best perimeter defender, on Brunson or goes with Chris Paul to avoid size disadvantages. Either way, San Antonio will have to find a way to slow down the Knicks' lead guard.
Knocking down open threes
Three-pointers have swung games for the Spurs all season. They'll once again be key on Christmas Day. The Knicks are a strong defense, but they allow opposing teams to shoot 36.5% from three. It's one of the few weaknesses in their defensive metrics. San Antonio will have to capitalize on that to come out of MSG with a victory. The Spurs are shooting 34.6% from deep this season, so they'll need a hot streak to punish the Knicks' defense.
Bench efficiency
Knicks head coach, Tom Thibodeau is known for playing a short rotation. New York's bench is not as strong as in years past. Going past Precious Achiuwa and Mile McBride is shaky. That means the Spurs' bench will need to play well against mostly the Knicks' starters. Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson, and Julian Champagnie will be key players on Christmas morning.
