Put Some Respect On My Name! Here Are The 4 Game Notables for the Knicks Vs. Spurs Game!

I couldn't think of a better gift than the Knicks getting the defining victory against the Spurs on Christmas. Victor Wembanyama and his seven-four frame intimidated the Knicks defensively, blocking many shots near the rim. I didn't know if it was Chamberlain or him, as his exploits dissuaded the Knicks from attacking the paint. However, the great Mikal Bridges took the challenge to another level when he decided that though I am not your size, you need to pick on me. Bridges 41 points marked the second largest amount by a Knick on Christmas Day, second to the great Bernard King; also, his scoring output helped offset Wemby's 42 points. This was a significant victory for many reasons: it put us to 10-4 at home to improve their record in close game scenarios to 5-6 and pushed us to two games above 500 against teams above 500 (8-6 overall).

Here are my four-game notables:

Put some respect on his name!

The often maligned by some Knicks fans, because Bridges hasn't lived up to what they felt, was worthy of a player that would be traded for six picks has made an about-face! He started slow this season, like most players when they go to a new team at the beginning of their tenure. But in December, he's averaging well, above twenty points, and shooting very efficiently from the three-point line at his career average of 37 percent. He is the beginning of a new trend, and fans will have to give Mikal an apology, especially if you didn't think that he would be able to be productive and forget those picks because those twelve graders are not even here yet.

They're figuring out how to close games!

The Knicks have struggled in close games, and at one point during this season, they were 2-5. Since then, they've been climbing and performing much better, and this performance against the Spurs solidified it. Despite Karl-Anthony Towns and Brunson not being in the game for a significant chunk of the fourth quarter, Brunson shooting poorly from the field, and OG Anunoby's failure to reach double-digit points.  Bridges was the brightest star, earning his first Knick of the Game honor on this platform, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter.  This victory puts the Knicks closer to 500 in these close game affairs with a 5-6 record.

This Knick offense is multi-dimensional!

The Knicks and their second-ranked offense always give teams a problem, as they can shoot very efficiently from the field and still lose the game. These exploits made it difficult for the boys to get their usual comfortable basket, especially when finishing around the rim.  When we had four blocks, the rest of the Spurs managed to get two additional blocks. So, at times, it was difficult for the next to attack the basket.  So, we'll coach Tom Thibodeau ordered the Knicks to do to me was pretty impressive, and that was to attack the ramp when Wemby was not on the floor.  Another tactic they would do would be to turn defense into offense, so whether Wendy was on the floor or not, they would look to get stops and run in transition to get easy baskets. A good example of this would be the 10 old runs the Knicks went on to end the third quarter and take the lead.

Another facet was switching their strategies throughout the game, like running more pick and roll in the third quarter. Whether it was brushing or Bridges or Hart, they decided to try to take advantage of potential mismatches off-screen and roles.

The Knicks Have Hart!

Josh Hart has only been on the Knicks for under 2 years, but it feels like he's been here for 10. This man's hustle, IQ, and grit make him an X-factor for the boys in Orange and Blue. A nice but under-the-radar 12 and 12 deserve maximum credit, but most won't recognize this achievement because points are more recognized. They don't win the game if the brother doesn't get the rebounds in the final moments. I started early that any starting lineup change shouldn't jeopardize his role as a starter. He consistently shows us that he deserves to start.