Villanova in the Pros: Mikal Bridges Puts Up 41 on Christmas

The New York Knicks were one of ten teams in action for the NBA’s Christmas slate, a tradition that dates back to the league’s second season in 1947. Hosting the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, a trio of former Villanova Wildcats — Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart — picked up a memorable 117-114 win. Bridges dropped 41 points on 17-of-25 shooting (6-of-9 from three) with four assists, two steals, two blocks and a rebound.

In doing so, he outdueled Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama, who managed 42 points but did with a far less efficient 16-of-31 shooting clip, including 6-of-16 from three. Although New York trailed 58-51 at the half, they snatched the lead back with a 10-0 run late in the third quarter that saw Bridges drop six points (a successful and-1 and a three-ball) in a span of 58 seconds.

Bridges Silences the Doubters

Bridges continued to pour it on in the final frame, adding 15 points to help the Knicks stay one step ahead of San Antonio’s final surge. Brunson added 20 points, seven rebounds and nine assists while Hart did the dirty work, managing a 12 point, 12 rebound double-double with six assists, two steals and four personal fouls.

This marks the seventh time Bridges has cleared the 40 point benchmark in his seven-year professional career, and his first time with the Knicks. He last did so on Jan. 7 while with the Brooklyn Nets.

The win marks the latest milestone in Bridges’ turnaround from early season struggles, struggles he received plenty of criticism for after the Knicks traded five first round picks to the Nets this offseason in order to acquire him. Hart, always vocal in support of the teammate he won an NCAA title with in 2016, spoke to that criticism after the game saying “that’s my bro. That’s my brother… I’ll get some damn apology forms out, I’ll be collecting them next game.”

Josh Hart will be handing out Mikal Bridges apology forms and expects them all returned to him before the Knicks' next game on Friday 🤣 pic.twitter.com/vH1QCTnWDA

— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) December 25, 2024