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Mikal Bridges · Having already distinguished himself as the league’s leader in minutes played throughout 2024-25, it was perhaps only fitting that, during the NBA’s first Christmas Day showcase, Mikal Bridges presented himself as the must-watch man of the hour. Hitting his stride throughout a sizzling-hot December stretch, Bridges showcases his ability to stop on a dime with equal ease, rotating into his teammate’s line of sight during a baseline cut. As prolific a corner 3-point sniper as the current day NBA has to offer, Bridges calmly sinks a catch-and-shoot triple, trimming the New York Knicks’ late-game deficit to just five. Unwilling to allow the upstart, green-haired San Antonio Spurs to “steal Christmas” nor a victory at Madison Square Garden, Bridges left December 25, 2024’s battle as the preeminent hero, ultimately propelling a come-from-behind win. By afternoon’s end, Bridges’ two-way excellence on the box score allowed for 41 points (on 17-of-25 shooting) — matching the Spurs' star nearly shot-for-shot — alongside four assists, two steals, two blocks, and six 3-pointers in 43 minutes of competitive play. · State of Mint