Nothing says Christmas quite like the NBA’s Christmas Games, where holiday cheer meets hardwood excellence. Since the league’s inception, basketball fans have celebrated the season with thrilling matchups, and this year promises to deliver with a stellar lineup. Let’s take a look at five players who have dazzled on this festive stage in the past!
A Brief History of Christmas Hoops
The NBA Christmas Games have a long and storied history, even predating the league we know today. Back in 1947, three games were played under the banner of the Basketball Association of America (BAA) on December 25th. The first-ever game took place at Madison Square Garden, where the New York Knicks triumphed over the Providence Steamrollers with an 89-75 victory.
As the NFL claimed Thanksgiving for its own in the 1920s, the NBA made sure to stake its claim on Christmas right from the start. When the BAA officially became the NBA in 1949, the league showcased seven matches, with 14 of the 17 teams in action, kicking off a holiday tradition. Aside from a lockout in the 1998-99 season, hoops on Christmas has been a fan favorite, and this year’s slate of games is sure to excite fans everywhere.
So, whether you’re enjoying holiday feasts with family or hitting the stands, make sure to catch the action this Christmas Day! Thanks to our partners at Hellotickets, you can also snag tickets to watch the Knicks take on the Spurs live at Madison Square Garden. With a secure site in English and easy digital tickets, this could be the gift of a lifetime—one you’ll cherish for over 50 years!
Top 5 Christmas Game Performances:
Bernard King, 1984
Stats: 60 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 19/30 shooting, 22/26 free throws
Bernard King, the “King of New York,” etched his name in Christmas history on December 25, 1984. Celebrated for his magnetic connection to the city, King delivered a show-stopping performance at Madison Square Garden, scoring a jaw-dropping 60 points against the New Jersey Nets. Despite his scoring frenzy, the Knicks fell short 120-114. Still, to this day, no one has scored more than King on Christmas.
Wilt Chamberlain, 1961
Stats: 59 points, 36 rebounds, 23/44 shooting, 13/22 free throws
Wilt Chamberlain’s legacy includes one of the greatest Christmas Day performances ever. On December 25, 1961, he dominated the Knicks with a staggering 59 points and 36 rebounds. While his Philadelphia Warriors lost by just one point, Chamberlain’s performance remains legendary, showcasing his unmatched ability on the boards and in scoring.
Tracy McGrady, 2003
Stats: 41 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, 3 steals, 15/29 shooting, 5/9 three-pointers
Christmas 2003 was all about the showdown between rookies Tracy McGrady and LeBron James. McGrady dazzled with 41 points and nearly recorded a triple-double, leading the Orlando Magic to a thrilling overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. In a battle against ‘The Chosen One,’ T-Mac proved that Christmas in the NBA was undeniable magic.
Kyrie Irving, 2016
Stats: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists, 7 steals, 11/27 shooting
While Kyrie Irving’s stats might not scream “historic,” the context elevates his performance to legendary status. In an intense Christmas clash against the Warriors, Irving hit the game-winning shot over Klay Thompson, reminding fans of his clutch abilities. It was a thrilling throwback to his Finals-winning play against Golden State, making it one of the standout moments of the day.
Luka Doncic, 2023
Stats: 50 points, 6 rebounds, 15 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks, 15/25 shooting, 8/16 three-pointers, 12/12 free throws
Not too long ago, Luka Doncic wrote his own Christmas story with a 50-point masterpiece against the Phoenix Suns. He lit up the scoreboard, making it look easy while also showcasing his playmaking ability. With perfect free throw shooting and multiple threes, Doncic’s dazzling display handed the Mavericks a classic Christmas victory.
Honorable Mentions:
Rick Barry, 1966: 50 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 19/35 shooting, 12/13 free throws
Michael Jordan, 1992: 42 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 15/34 shooting, 12/16 free throws
Nikola Jokic, 2022: 41 points, 15 rebounds, 15 assists, 16/25 shooting, 2/4 three-pointers, 7-9 free throws
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For the lucky ones heading to the U.S. this Christmas, tickets for the NBA Christmas Games are available on Hellotickets. Don’t forget to send us a live story from the American Airlines Center when Luka Doncic hits another classic this holiday season!