Andrew Pace
Christmas Day basketball games have been an annual tradition in the NBA since 1947. In recent years, players and coaches have complained that the games take time away from their families. However, others consider it a privilege and an honour to be part of the marquee games. The NBA has faced competition from the NFL in recent years, with the NFL planning to play three games on Christmas Day in 2025. This has raised questions about the NBA's tradition of Christmas Day games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Annual NBA Christmas games since | 1947 |
| Number of games played | 5 |
| Teams that played in 2023 | Golden State, Denver, Boston, LA Lakers, Milwaukee, New York Knicks |
| Teams that played in 2024 | Spurs, New York Knicks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets |
| Players making their Christmas Day debuts in 2024 | Spurs forward-center Victor Wembanyama, Wolves guard Anthony Edwards |
| Team with the highest winning percentage on Christmas Day | Miami (.857) |
| Team with the most games played on Christmas Day | New York Knicks (56) |
| Team with the most victories on Christmas Day | Lakers and Knicks (24) |
| Coach with the most victories on Christmas Day | Phil Jackson and Jack Ramsay (11 each) |
| Players who have posted triple-doubles on Christmas Day | Oscar Robertson, John Havlicek, Billy Cunningham, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Draymond Green, Kemba Walker, James Harden, Nikola Jokić |
| Number of NBA games played on Christmas Eve | 2 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
History of NBA Christmas games
The NBA has played games on Christmas Day every year since 1947, except in 1998 when a lockout cancelled half of the 1998-99 season. The games have been an annual tradition since the league's second season.
The first NBA game on December 25 came in 1947 when the New York Knicks beat the Providence Steamrollers 89-75 at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have played the most Christmas Day games of any team, with 57 appearances and 25 wins.
In the early days, teams were usually geographically matched to cut down on travel, allowing players more time with their families. The New York Knicks put on a show for three consecutive seasons in the early 1980s. In 1984, hall-of-famer Bernard King scored 60 points, the most ever scored by a player on Christmas Day.
There is no fixed system for determining which teams will play on Christmas Day, but the matchups usually include the teams that played in the previous season's NBA Finals. The NBA also tries to feature the reigning MVP and other top players. For example, in 2009 and 2010, the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers played at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Miami Heat, allowing for a showdown between Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.
The NBA on Christmas Day reaches spectators in more than 200 countries and over 50 languages. Some of the most memorable Christmas Day games include Wilt Chamberlain's 59-point, 30-rebound double-double in 1961, and Kyrie Irving's game-winner in 2016.
Will Fowler: Basketball's Rising Star and Future Legend
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Players' and coaches' opinions on Christmas games
While Christmas Day games have become a tradition in the NBA, players and coaches have expressed mixed feelings about participating in them. Some players, like LeBron James, have accepted that they will likely be working on Christmas, especially if they are in the middle of a successful season. James, who has played on every Christmas for ten consecutive years, has said that he "won't be with [his] family" and that he does not have any traditions because of this. Similarly, the San Antonio forward views being away from home on Christmas as "coming with the territory" of being an NBA player.
However, in recent years, there have been complaints from players and coaches about having to play on Christmas Day, as it takes time away from their families. Orlando Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy requested that the NBA stop scheduling games on Christmas Day, expressing sympathy for those who have nothing better to do than watch a basketball game on the holiday. He was fined for his comments. Other players, like James, have echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment about not being able to spend Christmas with their families.
Some players and coaches have found ways to create Christmas traditions that do not necessarily have to take place on December 25. Veteran player Bryant, for example, has made it a tradition to watch 'The Nutcracker' with his teammates every year, regardless of whether it is Christmas or not. Melo has also had notable Christmas performances, such as his 37 points and eight assists in a win against Boston in 2011, which he was able to achieve while still spending time with his son, Kiyan, who was the first one up to open presents.
Despite the mixed reactions, many still support the tradition of Christmas games. NBA players generally understand that Christmas games are reserved for the highest-profile matchups, MVP candidates, and teams on the rise. Lamar Odom called playing on Christmas a "tremendous privilege," as it allows players to entertain the world and showcase their talents on television. Similarly, in 2010, Knicks Coach Mike D'Antoni said that players should feel "very fortunate" to be playing on Christmas Day, as it helps the league and provides entertainment for those celebrating the holidays. Doug White, an ESPN executive, echoed these sentiments, comparing Christmas to Thanksgiving for the NBA, as it is a day when everyone is home and relaxing, and what better way to serve them than with exciting basketball games? Jermaine O'Neal of the Celtics agreed, stating that it is special because the whole world is watching, and players have the opportunity to bring their families down and spend time with them.
Smallest Division 1 Basketball School: Who Takes the Crown?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Christmas Day game scheduling
In recent years, players and coaches have complained that games on Christmas Day take time away from their families. In 2009, Orlando Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy requested that the NBA stop scheduling games on Christmas Day, saying that the day is best spent with family. In 2010, Lakers coach Phil Jackson, author of a book on spiritual growth, and LeBron James of the Miami Heat, also expressed their opposition to playing on Christmas Day.
Despite the complaints, the NBA has continued the tradition of Christmas Day games, scheduling five games for the occasion since 2008. In 2024, the NFL also scheduled two games for Christmas Day, which were streamed on Netflix, with another on Amazon. This raised questions about the NBA's tradition of Christmas Day games, as the NFL announced its intention to schedule three games annually going forward.
The scheduling of Christmas Day games depends on which day of the week the holiday falls. If Christmas Day falls on a Thursday, the normal Thursday Night football game is played, with up to two additional games in the afternoon. When Christmas falls on a Sunday, the regular Sunday afternoon games are moved to Christmas Eve, and the Christmas Day games include the standard Sunday Night Football telecast, with up to two additional standalone afternoon games. If Christmas is on a Monday, the Sunday afternoon games are still played on Christmas Eve, followed by Monday Night Football on Christmas night. However, the Sunday Night Football telecast is moved to either Monday afternoon or the previous Saturday.
March Madness: Basketball Tournaments Kickoff in March
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Christmas Day game broadcasts
Christmas Day games have been an annual tradition in the National Basketball Association (NBA) since 1947, the league's second season. The NBA usually tries to feature the league's reigning MVP, as well as other top players and teams, in its Christmas matchups.
In recent years, however, players and coaches have complained about playing on Christmas Day, saying that it takes time away from their families. In response to these complaints, the NBA has considered moving some games to Christmas Eve or other popular viewing windows.
The NBA's Christmas Day games face competition from the National Football League (NFL), which has been scheduling more games on Christmas Day in recent years. In 2024, the NFL scheduled two games on Christmas Day, which was a Wednesday, and in 2025, the NFL will play three games on Christmas Day, with two games streaming on Netflix and one on Amazon.
Despite the competition from the NFL, the NBA continues to showcase its top teams and players on Christmas Day. In 2023, for instance, ESPN aired all five NBA games, and ABC simulcast two of them: Golden State–Denver at 2:30 pm ET, followed by Boston–LA Lakers at 5 pm ET.
Becoming a High School Basketball Referee in Tennessee
You may want to see also
Explore related products
NBA Christmas Day records
NBA Christmas Day games have been an annual tradition since the league's second season in 1947. The first NBA game played on December 25 came in 1946, a year after the NBA's inception, when the New York Knicks beat the Providence Steamrollers 89-75 at Madison Square Garden. The NBA is the only league to regularly schedule games on December 25.
LeBron James holds the record for the most games played on Christmas Day, with 18 appearances. He also became the first player in NBA history to eclipse 500 career Christmas Day points. James is also the highest career points scorer in games played on December 25, with 476.
Bernard King holds the record for most points in a Christmas Day game, scoring 60 points in 1984. Wilt Chamberlain came close to this record, scoring 59 points and 36 rebounds on Christmas Day in 1961. This rebounds record has remained unbeaten for over 60 years.
Kevin Durant has also had notable Christmas Day performances. As of 2024, Durant has played 11 Christmas Day games, with a record of 5-6. His 44 points against the Nuggets in 2010 are the 10th highest single-game points on Christmas Day in NBA history.
Baylor's Men Basketball: Championship Dreams and Reality
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The NBA has been playing games on Christmas Day since its second season in 1947.
No, there are no fixed opponents for the Christmas Day games. Instead, the games feature some of the best teams and players. However, the Christmas matchups usually include the teams that played in the previous season's NBA Finals.
Some players and coaches have complained about playing on Christmas Day, saying that it takes time away from their families. However, others have expressed that playing on Christmas Day is a reward and an honour.
