Christmas Day is one of the biggest days on the NBA calendar, featuring thrilling matchups with high stakes and star-studded lineups. This year promises another set of must-watch games. But before you catch the upcoming Christmas Day NBA games, here are the top five best Christmas Day NBA games of all time that still hold value among the fans of the league. So, in retrospect, let’s have a look at the five best Christmas Day NBA games since its inception.
1. Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics (Dec. 25, 2021)
On Christmas Day in 2021, the Milwaukee Bucks entertained their fans with a memorable 117-113 comeback victory against the Boston Celtics. The Bucks had a sluggish start for most of the early parts of the game. But with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who just came back after health protocols, the Bucks found incredible strength in the second half as they really set their rhythm with a smaller lineup and improved defense.
After an initial showdown during which they trailed badly, 62-47 in favor of the Celtics. It was the tied game, courtesy of Antetokounmpo. And with just 30 seconds to go, Wes Matthews drained a three-pointer to give Milwaukee the lead. Then Giannis took over in the fourth to seal the victory. It was indeed a memorable game with Antetokounmpo delivering a standout performance in the game. Bucks fans will never forget the intensity of the Christmas Day game in 2021.
2. Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Dec. 25, 2016)
Close call but the Cleveland Cavaliers clinched the victory against the Golden State Warriors with 109-108. The Christmas Day rematch between the Cavaliers and Warriors delivered drama, flashbacks, and late-game heroics.
Cleveland stood strong with a thrilling comeback. Kyrie Irving’s clutch plays and LeBron James’ had stunning chemistry as they propelled their team to victory. Despite Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson’s offensive firepower, the Warriors struggled with turnovers and rebounding, particularly against Tristan Thompson. Controversial calls, like Durant’s final shot and LeBron’s rim hang, added to more drama in the matchup but arguably that also made the game special. The Cavs’ stunning defense and offensive rebounding secured the win in the classic Christmas Day NBA game.
3. Los Angeles Lakers vs Miami Heat (Dec. 25, 2004)
Los Angeles Lakers vs Miami Heat on December 25, 2004, was an absolute classic. When NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant were still in the game in the intense showdown, the night was fueled by high-octane action and drama on the court. More than the team, all eyes were on the Bryant vs O’Neal showdown as the pals turned rivals were confronting each other at the match.
Bryant was in his league and took the Heat to victory adding a stunning 42 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists on the scoreboard. Lamar Odom followed with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists.
As for the Lakers, O’Neal could not push the team to clinch the win. Dwyane Wade scored 29 points, 3 rebounds and 10 assists. O’Neal added 24 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Still, it was a close call, the Lakers lost to just a 2-point deficit in the night where the Heat came out victorious with 104- 102.
4. New York Knicks vs. New Jersey Nets (Dec. 25, 1984)
Bernard King etched his name into NBA history with an unforgettable performance on Christmas Day in 1984. King achieved a milestone that remains unmatched while representing the New York Knicks. Fans may not have grasped its significance at the moment, but it was a game meant to be a classic that has aged like fine wine. Hardcore NBA fans would cherish the iconic Christmas Day game for years to come as it was a history in the making.
King stole the show while setting a new scoring standard as he added an astonishing 60 points to the scoreboard alongside 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Rory Sparrow and Pat Cummings added 13 each but it was a one-man army game as King made all the efforts to lead the Knicks to victory but fell short of Nets’ control standing in the game. Michael Ray Richardson led Nets’ to win the match adding 36 points to his name. Despite the 120-114 win for the Nets, the game would remain special for King’s standout performance.
5. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Dec. 25, 2008)
On Christmas Day of 2008, fans witnessed a stunning battle between the Celtics and the Lakers. While the game was action-packed, it was a night to remember for Phil Jackson as he made victory adding his 1000th win to his name as a coach. Kobe Bryant scored 27 for the Lakers who was followed by Pau Gasol as he made 20-point contribution on the scoreboard.
Also Read: NBA matches today (December 23, 2024): All NBA matches, start times, how to watch, and more
In this memorable encounter, the Lakers stood out stronger as they defeated the Celtics with a score of 92 to 83.
Happy Holidays from the Times of India. Stay tuned for the latest NBA updates, game highlights, and more.
