NBA Christmas Day matchups that lived up to the hype

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

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

On the day the schedule is released each year, Christmas Day fixtures are among the most anticipated fixtures. This year is no exception as it is the 17th consecutive year that five games have been played. Over the years, these iterations included meetings that reinforced the lore of the slate.

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

Match result: 104-102 overtime Heat win

The messy breakup of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant preceded this star duel. It was the second of two games that day and ensured that all eyes were on what was then Staples Center nearly 20 years ago. And the fans were rewarded.

Shortly before the start of the game, Shaq and Kobe had an unpleasant exchange of blows in midfield, which laid the foundation for a wild game. There were 12 lead changes and 12 draws. Bryant scored 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 and won the game. But Miami pulled away in overtime and picked up its 11th straight victory.

Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 2008

Match result: 92-83 Lakers win

One of the league’s most traditional rivalries resumed at Christmas 2008.

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

The encounter resulted in a back-and-forth affair that resulted in three of the game’s nine ties in the fourth quarter alone. The Lakers ultimately pulled away with 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 victory, 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

Match result: 96-80 Heat win

Following “The Decision,” LeBron James and the Heat traveled to Los Angeles to take on the back-to-back NBA champions on Christmas Day. It was 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 the game with 27 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals on 8 of 14 shooting. James became the first player in 40 years – at the time the fourth player ever – to record a triple-double on Christmas Day.

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LeBron surpasses Kobe in Christmas Day 2010 matchup

LeBron James scores a game-high 27 points as the Heat defeat the Lakers 96-80 on Christmas Day.

Match result: 109-108 Cavaliers win

The history of the band in 2016 was simple.

Months earlier, the Cavaliers recovered from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Warriors in the NBA Finals. Golden State then signed Kevin Durant and added him to a team that won a record 73 regular season games. Their first duel took place on December 25th and became a classic.

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

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

LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 2019

Match result: 111-106 Clippers win

The 2019 offseason saw sweeping changes between Los Angeles basketball teams. The Clippers acquired Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, while the Lakers paired Anthony Davis with LeBron. It took the intra-city rivalry to new levels.

Although the two teams competed at the start of the regular season, George missed participation due to injury. Christmas was the first time that both teams competed against each other completely healthy.

The Lakers had a lead of as many as 15 points at one point, but the Clippers rallied in the second half and won with 35 points and 12 rebounds from Leonard. The game featured 16 lead changes and 11 ties.

The Lakers had a chance to equalize with 20 seconds left. However, Clippers guard Patrick Beverley blocked James’ 3-point attempt and threw the ball away from him to keep possession. George then shot two free throws to secure the win.