NBA Christmas Day matchups that lived up to the hype

On By Littum

  • Anthony Gharib, ESPNDecember 24, 2024, 9:07 AM ET

The NBA on Christmas Day is one of the league’s oldest traditions, with the game’s biggest stars often clashing on the holiday.

The annual event has boasted some of the league’s most memorable moments. New York Knicks guard Bernard King scored 60 points in 1984, the most points on the holiday. Wilt Chamberlain had 59 points and 36 rebounds in 1961, still the Christmas record for rebounds in a game.

On each year’s program release day, the Christmas Day matchups are among the most anticipated. This year is no exception, as it is the 17th year in a row that five games have been played. Over the years, these iterations have included meetings that strengthen the board’s knowledge.

Here’s a look back at NBA Christmas Day matchups since 2000 that lived up to the hype.

Game result: 104-102 overtime Heat win

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s messy breakup preceded this star-studded matchup. It was the second of two games that day, ensuring all eyes were on the then Staples Center nearly 20 years ago today. And fans were rewarded.

Shaq and Kobe had an awkward exchange at midcourt just before tipoff, setting the tone for a wild game. There were 12 lead changes with 12 ties. Bryant broke out for 42 points and six assists, while O’Neal had 24 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks.

Dwyane Wade – who had 29 points and 10 assists – missed two shots at the end of regulation to win the game. But Miami pulled away in overtime for its 11th straight win.

Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 2008

Game result: 92-83 Lakers win

One of the league’s best-known rivalries was resumed in Christmas 2008.

Tensions were high as the two sides met for the first time since Boston eliminated Los Angeles in six games during the previous finals. The Celtics also entered the game riding a 19-game winning streak.

The clash resulted in a back-and-forth battle with three of the game’s nine ties in the fourth quarter alone. The Lakers eventually drew 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists from Bryant. Los Angeles forward Pau Gasol added 20 points, including nine in the fourth.

The win gave Lakers head coach Phil Jackson his 1,000th. win, making him the fastest head coach to do so and the sixth at the time to reach that mark.

Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 2010

Game result: 96-80 Heat win

On the heels of “The Decision,” LeBron James and the Heat traveled to Los Angeles to face the back-to-back NBA champions for Christmas. It marked James’ first holiday game with the Heat.

Miami got off to a strong start and slowly began to pull away. Although the end result didn’t quite live up to the hype, James put in a memorable performance.

He finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals on 8-of-14 shooting. James became the first player in 40 years – the fourth player ever at the time – to record a triple-double on Christmas Day.

Game result: 109-108 Cavaliers win

The story of the tape was simple in 2016.

Months earlier, the Cavaliers came back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Warriors in the NBA Finals. Golden State then went on to sign Kevin Durant, adding him to a team that won a record 73 games in the regular season. Their first matchup came on December 25th and turned into a classic.

The Warriors appeared to be in control, up 14 with 9:34 left in the game. But Cleveland stormed back and took its own lead at 1:43. Golden State then went ahead again 29 seconds later on a Stephen Curry 3-pointer.

But with 13 seconds left, the Cavaliers had a chance to win it. Kyrie Irving attacked Klay Thompson and hit a turnaround jumper for the lead. Durant missed the ensuing possession, ending a memorable rally.

LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 2019

Game result: 111-106 Clippers win

The 2019 offseason prompted widespread change among Los Angeles’ basketball team. The Clippers acquired Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, while the Lakers paired Anthony Davis with LeBron. It drove the inner city rivalry to new heights.

Although the two sides faced off to open the regular season, George missed it with an injury. Christmas marked the first time both teams met while fully healthy.

The Lakers were up by as much as 15 at one point, but the Clippers rallied in the second half to win behind 35 points and 12 rebounds from Leonard. The game included 16 lead changes and 11 ties.

A three-point game with 20 seconds left, the Lakers had a chance to tie the game. However, Clippers guard Patrick Beverley blocked James’ 3-point attempt and knocked the ball off him to retain possession. George then hit two free throws to clinch the win.