The hosts of Madison win the first match of Christmas Day 117-114
Matteo Gentili
December 25th – 8.55pm – MILANO
In front of the star-studded crowd at the Madison Team Garden (present with Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala and Carmelo Anthony among others), the New York Knicks (20-10) won the first match of Christmas Day 117-114. Against the San Antonio Spurs (15-15) a super Wembanyama of 42 points (52% from the field) and 18 rebounds is not enough, because the decisive quarter is that of Bridges. The Big Apple franchise plays a 37-point third quarter that turns the game around and takes their fifth consecutive win. Credit to the Spurs, however, who fought until the end.
ALL-ROUNDER WEMBY
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The New York Knicks started better thanks to Bridges' precision from the arc (2 triples) and Towns' size under the basket. But after a while Wembanyama warms up and begins to lead the San Antonio comeback, which reached a maximum of +9 in the second quarter. The Frenchman is everywhere: he serves assists, like the one for Sochan after a fake shot, scores baskets from every area of the court (4/10 from three) and also takes 11 rebounds. Of note is the one captured behind Towns after Paul's missed triple which leads him to dunk and show off his muscles. The Knicks are unable to contain him and so, at the end of the first half, there are already 24 points next to his name. The Texans go into halftime 58-51.
BRIDGES ATTACKER
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The heart of the Knicks awakens forcefully in the third quarter. Bridges scores another 10 points, after 16 in the first half of the match, Towns charges with a great personal action: he starts outside the arc in a one-on-one with Wembanyama, passes between three opponents and dunks angrily. Jalen Brunson also rises, so far quietly, who sends New York forward with a one-handed basket. The number 11 above all manages the game and finds assists for his teammates. Coach Thibodeau's team closes the third quarter with a 10-0 run to get back into the game. Wembanyama, the one from the first half back, tries to play the joke but Bridges wins the duel by scoring the decisive baskets in the last two minutes: in the turn, in the stop, dribble and shot. MSG celebrates loudly.
New York: Bridges 41 (17/25, 6/9, 1/1 tl), Towns 21, Brunson 20. Rimbalzi: Hart 12. Assist: Brunson 9.
San Antonio: Wembanyama 42 (16/31, 6/16, 4/4 tl), Sochan 21, Paul 13. Rimbalzi: Wembanyama 18. Assist: Paul 7.
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