NEW YORK – Mikal Bridges scored a season-high 41 points and the New York Knicks overcame 42 from Victor Wembanyama in a monster Christmas debut to beat the San Antonio Spurs 117-114 on Wednesday.

Wembanyama set a Spurs scoring record on the holiday, adding 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots. The reigning Western Conference Player of the Week made six three-pointers.

But Bridges shot 17-for-25 from the field and 6-for-9 from behind the arc to ensure the Knicks had just enough offense to earn their fifth straight win and improve to 20-10.

Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and nine rebounds and Jalen Brunson scored 20 points. Josh Hart finished with 12 points, 12 boards and six assists.

Jeremy Sochan scored 21 points and nine rebounds for the Spurs.

Takeaways

Spurs: San Antonio had a chance for a huge win, but gave up 17 offensive rebounds and ultimately couldn’t get its hands on the ball, with Hart committing two errors in the final half-minute and time running out.

Knicks: Bridges will often be needed more for his defense than his offense in his first season with the Knicks, but he reminded people Wednesday how good he can be with the ball in his hands.

Key moment

The Spurs were within one point with two minutes left on two free throws from Chris Paul before Bridges took a five-point lead with 1:18 to play.

Key statistics

Wembanyama broke Spurs’ points record at Christmas. LaMarcus Aldridge had 33 in 2016.

Next

The Spurs remain in New York to visit Brooklyn on Friday, while the Knicks visit Orlando on Friday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA