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

On By Littum

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

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

Wednesday will not be the first occasion on which he laces up his sneakers on December 25. But it will be unique.

Karl-Anthony Towns reacts during the Knicks-Raptors game on December 23, 2024. AP

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

“It’s crazy for me growing up in this area and 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 put my name in Knicks player history to play at Christmas, that’s a huge honor.”

It will also present a big challenge: Spurs underdog Victor Wembanyama.

Victor Wembanyama reacts during the Spurs-76ers game on December 23, 2024. AP

2023 no. 1 selection from 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’s also shooting 35.6 percent from beyond the arc.

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

“Special talent. Fellow No. 1 pick alumni right here,” said Towns, the top pick in 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 knock away shots.

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

Karl-Anthony Towns dunks during the Knicks-Raptors game on December 23, 2024. Robert Sabo for NY Post

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

“He’s a great player. He does things offensively, defensively that nobody at 7-3 should do,” Hart said. “He is the future of the league but we will give him his flowers after the game, not before the game. We have to make sure we slow down 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, it was the first day of the season.

“I usually watch,” OG Anunoby said. “It will be fun to play in one.”

Some players see working on vacation as a chore.

The cities see it differently.

He sounded downright giddy at the possibility.

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