Christmas Day has long been a marquee date on the NBA calendar, showcasing some of the league’s most anticipated matchups. Just like the NFL has its Christmas lineup, so does the NBA.
The 2024 edition continues this tradition with a lineup featuring both emerging talents and established superstars.
Who Is Playing On Christmas NBA Day?
This year’s Christmas Day schedule promises a full day of high-caliber basketball, with games starting at noon ET and concluding with a late-night showdown in Phoenix. Fans can look forward to witnessing a blend of rising stars and seasoned veterans competing on one of the NBA’s most celebrated stages.
| Matchup | Date | Time (EST) |
| San Antonio Spurs @ New York Knicks | Wednesday, Dec 25, 2024 | 12:00 PM |
| Minnesota Timberwolves @ Dallas Mavericks | Wednesday, Dec 25, 2024 | 2:30 PM |
| Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics | Wednesday, Dec 25, 2024 | 5:00 PM |
| Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors | Wednesday, Dec 25, 2024 | 8:00 PM |
| Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns | Wednesday, Dec 25, 2024 | 10:30 PM |
All games will be broadcast across ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+, ensuring fans have multiple platforms to catch the action.
As the holiday approaches, anticipation builds for these compelling matchups, each carrying its own narrative and significance in the ongoing NBA season.
Best Christmas NBA Games Of All Time
Christmas Day is a special time for basketball fans. For decades, the NBA has turned December 25th into a showcase of its biggest stars and most exciting matchups. From thrilling buzzer-beaters to legendary performances, these games have left indelible marks on basketball history. Here’s a look back at some of the greatest Christmas NBA games of all time.
1. 1961: Wilt Chamberlain’s Herculean Effort
- Matchup: Philadelphia Warriors vs. New York Knicks
- Score: Knicks 136, Warriors 135 (2OT)
- Highlight: Wilt Chamberlain’s 59 points and 36 rebounds
Wilt Chamberlain delivered one of the most dominant performances in NBA history, recording 59 points and 36 rebounds. Despite his efforts, the Warriors fell to the Knicks in double overtime by a single point. Chamberlain’s rebounding total remains the Christmas Day record to this day.
2. 1984: Bernard King’s Scoring Explosion
- Matchup: New York Knicks vs. New Jersey Nets
- Score: Nets 120, Knicks 114
- Highlight: Bernard King’s 60 points
Bernard King gave Knicks fans the ultimate gift with a historic 60-point performance at Madison Square Garden. While the Knicks couldn’t secure the win, King’s effort is etched in history as the highest point total ever on Christmas Day.
3. 1985: Patrick Ewing’s Rookie Magic
- Matchup: New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
- Score: Knicks 113, Celtics 104 (2OT)
- Highlight: Rookie Patrick Ewing leads a 25-point comeback
In one of the greatest comebacks in Christmas Day history, rookie Patrick Ewing led the Knicks back from a 25-point deficit to defeat the Celtics in double overtime. Ewing’s 32 points and 11 rebounds solidified his arrival as a future superstar.
4. 1994: Scottie Pippen’s Christmas Heroics
- Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks
- Score: Bulls 107, Knicks 104 (OT)
- Highlight: Pippen’s 36 points, 16 rebounds, and game-saving blocks
With Michael Jordan retired (the first time), Scottie Pippen proved his superstar credentials by playing all 53 minutes of this overtime thriller. He scored seven of the Bulls’ points in overtime and blocked two last-second shots to secure the win.
5. 2004: Shaq vs. Kobe – The Reunion
- Matchup: Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Score: Heat 104, Lakers 102 (OT)
- Highlight: The first showdown between former teammates
When Shaquille O’Neal faced Kobe Bryant for the first time since their dramatic split, the stakes were sky-high. The game lived up to the hype, with Dwyane Wade and the Heat eking out a dramatic overtime win in a game that symbolized one of the NBA’s fiercest rivalries.
6. 2008: Lakers vs. Celtics – A Rivalry Rekindled
- Matchup: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Score: Lakers 92, Celtics 83
- Highlight: Kobe Bryant’s 27-point performance
After losing to the Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals, the Lakers had revenge on their minds. Behind Kobe Bryant’s relentless play, the Lakers ended Boston’s 19-game win streak and reignited one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries.
7. 2010: LeBron James’ Triple-Double
- Matchup: Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Score: Heat 96, Lakers 80
- Highlight: LeBron’s Christmas triple-double
LeBron James dominated the holiday stage with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming only the fourth player in NBA history to record a triple-double on Christmas Day. The Heat’s victory cemented their status as a superteam to fear.
8. 2016: Kyrie Irving’s Christmas Magic
- Matchup: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors
- Score: Cavaliers 109, Warriors 108
- Highlight: Kyrie Irving’s game-winning fadeaway
In a rematch of the 2016 NBA Finals, the Cavaliers and Warriors delivered another classic. Kyrie Irving hit a fadeaway jumper over Klay Thompson with just seconds remaining, securing a thrilling one-point victory for Cleveland.
9. 2018: LeBron’s Lakers Triumph
- Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
- Score: Lakers 127, Warriors 101
- Highlight: LeBron’s first Christmas with the Lakers
LeBron James made his Christmas Day debut as a Laker in style, leading the team to a decisive victory over the Warriors. Though LeBron left the game early due to injury, the Lakers’ dominant performance against the defending champions was a statement win.
10. 2021: The Knicks Reclaim the Spotlight
- Matchup: New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks
- Score: Knicks 101, Hawks 87
- Highlight: Kemba Walker’s triple-double
After years of struggles, the Knicks returned to prominence with a strong performance against the Hawks. Kemba Walker became the first player in Knicks history to record a Christmas Day triple-double, capping off a memorable holiday for New York fans.
Honorable Mentions
- 1972: The Lakers’ 33-game win streak continues with a dominant win over the Phoenix Suns.
- 1986: Ewing’s buzzer-beater against the Bulls in a nail-biter.
- 2013: Kevin Durant shines with 29 points as OKC downs the Knicks.
The Legacy of NBA Christmas Games
Christmas Day NBA games are more than just regular-season matchups—they’re moments that showcase the league’s best talent, fuel rivalries, and create lasting memories. From Wilt Chamberlain’s 59-point masterpiece to Kyrie Irving’s clutch heroics, the holiday has been a stage for the extraordinary.
Which Christmas Day NBA moment is your favorite? Let us know in the comments and get ready for more unforgettable moments this holiday season!
Bet On Christmas NBA Games
Christmas Day NBA games are more than just regular-season matchups—they’re moments that showcase the league’s best talent, fuel rivalries, and create lasting memories. From Wilt Chamberlain’s 59-point masterpiece to Kyrie Irving’s clutch heroics, the holiday has been a stage for the extraordinary.
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