Karl-Anthony Towns' fondest childhood Christmas memories involved the NBA.
He sat on the couch with his father, Carl Towns Sr., and watched the game, imagining himself one day playing in a nationally televised showcase.
Wednesday won't be the first time he laces up his sneakers on Dec. 25, but it will be unique.
“This is my first home,” the Knicks center said ahead of their matchup against the Spurs at The Garden. “I could never do that. So it's going to be fun to do it in front of my family.
“It's crazy that I grew up in this area and always watch the Knicks on Christmas Day.” [Carmelo Anthony] Get carried away on Christmas Day. And now, I'm honored to be in the position to write my name in the history books of Knicks players who play on Christmas Day. ”
There will also be a big challenger in Spurs' genius player Victor Wembaneyama.
Wembaneyama, the 2023 No. 1 pick by France, led the Spurs to a 15-14 start in his second season.
The 7-foot-3 dynamo was last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 4.0 blocks and 3.9 assists.
He also shoots 35.6 percent from beyond the arc.
There's almost nothing the 20-year-old can't do.
“Special talent. To all the No. 1 pick alumni, here we are,” said Towns, the No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft. “I’m looking forward to seeing how his career progresses and what he can do.”
Josh Hart joked that the Knicks would prepare for Wembaneyama by putting Towns in the paint and giving him a mop to brush away shots.
Over the past four games, Wenbanyama has averaged an impressive 7.2 blocks.
Last March, Wenbanyama had 40 points, 20 rebounds and seven assists to lead the Spurs to an overtime victory over the Knicks.
“He's a great player. He's doing things offensively and defensively that no 7-3 player should be doing,” Hart said. “He's the future of the league, but we're going to give him flowers after the game, not before. We need to make sure we slow down Spurs, not just Wembangyama.”
It's a Knicks tradition to play on Christmas Day, even during downturns.
It started in 1947.
There was an eight-year gap from 2001 to 2009, but the Knicks have only missed three Christmas Day games since then. Last year, they defeated the Bucks with Jalen Brunson's 38 points.
Bernard King still holds the record for most points on Christmas Day, scoring 60 points against the Nets in 1984.
Eleven years ago, Anthony lit up the Garden with 37 points (17 in the fourth quarter) in a win over the rival Celtics. Due to the NBA lockout, it was the first day of the season.
“I watch it all the time,” OG Anunoby said. “This would be fun to play with.”
Some players consider working on their days off to be a hassle.
Towns sees it differently.
He sounded completely giddy about this opportunity.
“I love playing basketball. It's a great Christmas present for me,” Towns said. “I get to go out and lace up my shoes and play, so I’m excited.”
