In a loss to the Knicks, the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama posted 42 points, 18 rebounds, four assists and four blocks, a stat line matched only once since 1991.

• Wembanyama became the third player to score 40-plus points in his Christmas debut, joining Wilt Chamberlain (45, 1959) and Tracy McGrady (43, 2000). • Wembanyama became the first player to amass 40-plus points, 15-plus rebounds, and five-plus 3-pointers on Christmas Day.

It was the perfect backdrop for the New York Knicks, the league’s kings-in-waiting, and the NBA itself. And Christmas Day, of course. While the NFL continues to stake claim over territory usually respected and reserved for the NBA,