Spurs-Knicks Christmas game sets a rating record; Stephon Castle receives his NCAA title ring

Fans tuned in to watch the Spurs and Wembanyama take on the Knicks.

SAN ANTONIO — The NBA announced that the New York Knicks versus San Antonio Spurs Christmas Day game set a ratings record.

The game averaged 4.91 million viewers, making it the most-watched Christmas Day opener in 13 years. Its viewership was up 98% compared to the comparable window last year.

The league also announced that all five Christmas Day games saw year-over-year viewership increases, including Philadelphia 76ers/Boston Celtics (5.16 million viewers, up 3%), Minnesota Timberwolves/Dallas Mavericks (4.38 million viewers, up 6%) and Denver Nuggets/Phoenix Suns (3.84 million viewers, up 161%). Nuggets/Suns was the most-watched late window ever on Christmas Day.

The NBA generated more than 500 million video views across its social media platforms on Christmas Day – a record.

RELATED: Knicks 117, Spurs 114: What they said after the game

CASTLE GETS HIS NCAA TITLE RING

Spurs rookie guard Stephon Castle received the perfect Christmas gift when his family presented him with his UConn 2024 NCAA title ring at Madison Square Garden.

And to make the moment extra special, he was surrounded by his Spurs teammates.

RELATED: Stephon Castle rising fast in NBA Rookie of the Year Award race, according to oddsmaker

After the special moment, Castle’s mom shared a touching X post, calling it “emotional.”

“An emotional day for me.. an early birthday present… thank you, Spurs, for making me cry today.. thank you, UConn MBB, for being champions. I could not be more proud to hand him the rings today! I thought I was just going to a practice.. smile says it all.”

X: KENS 5JeffGSpursKENS5

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