Today is one of the biggest days of the year…Victor Wembanyama returns to Madison Square Garden.

Sorry, I was told it’s Christmas Day too. Strange. I thought it was just a basketball vacation.

This will be the first of many Christmas games for the Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs. They face the New York Knicks, one of the best teams in the NBA. The Knicks boast 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 stood up to them late last year when he scored 40 points and 20 rebounds in an overtime win in San Antonio.

Now Hartenstein and Robinson have been replaced by star center Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Knicks have added two wings, Mikal Bridges. Spurs and Wembanyama will have their hands full trying to give Spurs fans a win this Christmas.

December 25, 2024 | 11am CT

Watch: ESPN | Listen: WOAI (1200 AM)

Spore injuries: No inactives.

Knicks Injuries: Boo Buie III – Out (G League), Kevin McCullar Jr. – Out (G League), Mitchell Robinson – Out (Ankle)

What you should pay attention to

Includes Jalen Brunson

Towns and Jalen Brunson have become one of the best duos in the NBA. Brunson presents a unique challenge with his combination of sensitivity, power and foul-drawing ability. He averages 25.8 points and 7.9 assists while shooting 48.8% from the field and 43.4% from three assists shoots. It’s hard to hide a single defender against the Knicks when big wingers like OG Anunoby, Bridges and Josh Hart fill out the starting five. It will be interesting to see whether Mitch Johnson chooses Jeremy Sochan, Spurs’ best full-back, over Brunson or opts for Chris Paul to avoid a size disadvantage. Either way, San Antonio needs to find a way to slow down the Knicks’ leading guard.

Knock down open threes

Three-pointers have made a difference in Spurs’ games all season long. They will be the focus again on Christmas Day. The Knicks have a strong defense, but they allow opposing teams to shoot 36.5% from three. This is one of the few weaknesses in their defensive stats. San Antonio will need to capitalize on this to come out of MSG with a win. The Spurs are shooting 34.6% from deep this season, so they need a hot streak to punish the Knicks’ defense.

Bank efficiency

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is known for playing a short rotation. New York’s bank is no longer as strong as it has been in years past. Getting past Precious Achiuwa and Mile McBride is uncertain. That means the Spurs’ bench will have to play well against most of the Knicks’ regular players. Stephon Castle, Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie will be the key players on Christmas morning.