Playing on Christmas is extra special for Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns this year

Some of Karl-Anthony Towns’ fondest childhood memories on Christmas included the NBA.

He would sit on the couch with his father, Karl Towns Sr., and watch games, imagining himself playing in those nationally-televised showcases one day. 

Wednesday won’t be the first such occasion he laces his sneakers up on Dec. 25. But it will be unique. 

“It’s my first one home,” the Knicks center said in advance of the clash with the Spurs at the Garden. “I never got to do that. So this is going to be fun, to be able to do it in front of your family. 

“It’s crazy for me growing up in this area and to be watching the Knicks always play on Christmas Day, watching [Carmelo Anthony] go crazy on Christmas Day. And now to be in a position where I get to have my name in the history of Knicks players to play on Christmas, it’s a huge honor.” 

It also will feature a major challenge: Spurs wunderkind Victor Wembanyama.

The 2023 No. 1 pick out of France, Wembanyama has led the Spurs to a 15-14 start in his second season.

The 7-foot-3 dynamo, the NBA Rookie of the Year last season, has been dynamic, averaging 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 4.0 blocks and 3.9 assists.

He is also shooting 35.6 percent from beyond the arc.

There is very little he can’t do at the age of 20. 

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“Special talent. Fellow No. 1 pick alumni right here,” said Towns, the top pick of the 2015 draft. “I’m excited to see how his career progresses and see what he can do.” 

Josh Hart joked that the Knicks would prepare for Wembanyama by putting Towns in the paint and giving him a mop to swat away shots.

In his last four games, Wembanyama is averaging an absurd 7.2 blocks.

Last March, Wembanyama led the Spurs to an overtime victory over the Knicks by scoring 40 points, adding 20 rebounds and dishing out seven assists. 

“He’s an amazing player. He does things offensively, defensively that nobody at 7-3 should be doing,” Hart said. “He’s the future of the league, but we’ll give him his flowers after the game, not before the game. We got to make sure we slow down the Spurs and not just Wembanyama.” 

Playing on Christmas has been a Knicks tradition, even in lean times.

It started in 1947.

There was an eight-year gap from 2001-09, but the Knicks have missed just three Christmas Day games since. Last year, they beat the Bucks behind a 38-point masterpiece from Jalen Brunson.

Bernard King still holds the record for most points on Christmas Day with 60 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, that was the first day of the season. 

“I’m usually watching,” OG Anunoby said. “It’ll be fun to play in one.” 

Some players view working on the holiday as a chore.

Towns sees it differently.

He sounded downright giddy about the opportunity. 

“I like playing basketball. It’s a great Christmas present for me,” Towns said. “I get to go out there and lace the shoes up and play. So I’m excited.”