The San Antonio Spurs played their first Christmas game in eight years on Wednesday, which means it was also the first time Victor Wembanyama suited up under the bright lights of December 25. Plus, they also faced the New York Knicks at the iconic Madison Square Garden.
Needless to say, Wemby did not disappoint. The former first-overall pick balled out and showed why he's truly a generational talent, finishing with 42 points, 18 rebounds, and four assists. He's the first player since Wilt Chamberlain to post such a stat line on Christmas:
The only players with at least 42 points and 15 rebounds on Christmas Day:
— Wilt Chamberlain, twice
— Victor Wembanyama— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) December 25, 2024
It doesn't stop there, however. Wembanyama is the first player in NBA history to score 40+ points, grab 15+ boards, and drain 5+ triples. Elite:
The first player in NBA history with
40+ points
15+ rebounds
5+ threesOn Christmas Day. pic.twitter.com/no9PgslHd4
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 25, 2024
What a day for the big man. While the Spurs still ended up losing a 117-114 nailbiter, Wemby truly did all that he could to help his squad grab the win. Wembanyama was 16 for 31 from the field and 6 for 16 from three-point land.
Star players rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. The pressure of playing at MSG on such an iconic day for the Association proved to be no issue for the Spurs franchise cornerstone. He truly showed his best and put himself in the company of Wilt. That's extremely impressive in itself.




Mikal Bridges ended up going toe to toe with Wemby though, scoring 41 points of his own to propel New York to victory. Wembanyama didn't get a whole lot of help from his teammates, with Jeremy Sochan's 21 points about the only other bright spot.
Oh, and Wemby is also the first Knicks opponent to drop 40+ at the Garden on Christmas since 1966:
Victor Wembanyama has himself A GAME in MSG:
42 points
18 rebounds
4 assists
4 blocks🎁 Joins Wilt Chamberlain as only players in NBA history with 42 PTS and 15 REB on Christmas.
🎁First Knicks opponent with 40+ PTS in MSG on Christmas since 1966.
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) December 25, 2024
The Spurs now sit at 15-15 and will have just one day off before visiting the Brooklyn Nets, which means Wemby and Co. can enjoy the Big Apple for a day. He certainly deserves it after such a prolific performance.