Mikal Bridges led the New York Knicks with a season-high 41 points, helping them secure a 117-114 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, who saw Victor Wembanyama score 42 points in his impressive Christmas debut.

In other games, the Minnesota Timberwolves triumphed over the Dallas Mavericks 105-99, with Anthony Edwards scoring 26 points. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers edged the Boston Celtics 118-114, thanks to Joel Embiid's 27 points and Tyrese Maxey's 33 points.

The Houston Rockets will not be participating in the Christmas Day games, but several former players will be featured in the matchups.

Among them, Chris Paul leads the San Antonio Spurs, while Daishen Nix represents the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Philadelphia 76ers have Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, and KJ Martin, with Christian Wood on the Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook now with the Denver Nuggets. TyTy Washington, a recent draft pick, is with the Phoenix Suns.

LeBron James and Victor Wembanyama are set to be key figures in the NBA's Christmas Day games, with James making his Christmas debut in 2003, while Wembanyama was born shortly after. This year features a quintupleheader of matchups, including the San Antonio Spurs visiting the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers facing the Golden State Warriors.

Wembanyama expressed excitement for his first Christmas game in New York, while James looks forward to competing against Stephen Curry once again. The Christmas games are traditionally a significant draw for basketball fans, coinciding with the NFL's winding regular season.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted the growing desire for more players to showcase their talents on Christmas. The Knicks will play their 57th Christmas game, extending their record, while other matchups include the Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics and the Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns.

Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' rookie sensation, is redefining the role of a big man in the NBA. During his first training camp, he emphasized the importance of creativity over conventional play, leading to an impressive rookie season where he topped all rookies in points, rebounds, and blocks.

Wembanyama showcased his versatility by averaging 21.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, while also making history with his unique ability to score and assist. His recent performances highlight his ongoing evolution as a player, as he learns to balance his diverse skill set with the needs of his team.

Victor Wembanyama propelled the San Antonio Spurs to a 121-116 win against the New Orleans Pelicans, ending a three-game losing streak. He scored 25 points, including a crucial three-pointer late in the game, and recorded three blocks.

Stephon Castle and Harrison Barnes also made significant contributions, while Charles Bassey achieved a double-double. Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans but couldn't secure the win. Chris Paul made history by surpassing Jason Kidd for second in all-time assists.