Christmas Day in the NBA is one of the most iconic events in the sports world. It’s a time when fans across the globe tune in to watch some of the league’s best players showcase their talent on a national stage. The tradition dates back to 1947, and since then, it has evolved into one of the most anticipated days of the year for basketball enthusiasts. This year’s NBA Christmas Day slate promises to be one for the ages, featuring five exciting matchups that showcase seven of the league’s top 10 scorers. The big question on everyone’s mind: Could we see a new record for most points scored in a Christmas Day game? Let’s dive into the details.
A Historic Tradition: Christmas Day NBA Games
The NBA’s Christmas Day games have become more than just a tradition — they’ve become a staple in basketball culture. From the first game in 1947 to the current season, Christmas Day has seen some of the league’s most memorable performances, including dramatic comebacks, buzzer-beaters, and iconic individual feats. This year, there’s even more at stake with several players gunning for the all-time Christmas Day scoring record of 60 points, held by Bernard King since 1984.
With Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Anthony Edwards among the seven top 10 scorers participating, we could be witnessing history. But before we get to those potential record-breaking moments, let’s preview the matchups that will take place throughout the day.
Cavaliers at Knicks: Noon ET
The New York Knicks have long been a fixture in Christmas Day games, having played in 58 of them, the most of any team in NBA history. This year, they face the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are making their first Christmas appearance since 2017. The Knicks have had a strong start to the season, but the Cavaliers hold a slight edge in their recent series, winning three of their last five matchups.
The Knicks’ history on Christmas is a mixed bag — 25 wins and 32 losses — but the Cavs have their work cut out for them if they are to spoil the holiday for New York. The early game will feature two high-profile stars: Julius Randle for the Knicks and Donovan Mitchell for the Cavs, both capable of putting up big numbers in this high-stakes holiday game.
Spurs at Thunder: 2:30 p.m. ET
This matchup promises to be one of the most exciting of the day, with two of the most electrifying players in the league: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama. Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off a stellar MVP season, and this will be his debut on Christmas Day. Wembanyama, the French phenom, also shines on the big stage, having put up a jaw-dropping 42-point performance on Christmas last year.
The Spurs and Thunder have met only once this season, and the Spurs ended Oklahoma City’s 16-game win streak in an upset during the NBA Cup semifinals. The Thunder hold a poor all-time record of 6-14 on Christmas Day, but with their superstar duo, they’ll be eager to put on a show in front of a national audience.
Mavericks at Warriors: 5 p.m. ET
One of the most anticipated games will feature Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks against the Golden State Warriors. Last year, Stephen Curry set a Christmas Day record with eight three-pointers in a loss to the Lakers. This season, he’ll be hoping to break his own record, while also facing off against Doncic, who is known for his clutch performances.
In fact, Doncic made a massive statement in last year’s Christmas game when he dropped 50 points in a win over the Phoenix Suns. If he can match that level of play, he may very well challenge the 60-point record. With Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis also playing major roles in their respective teams, this game is set to be one of the most star-studded matchups of the day.
Rockets at Lakers: 8 p.m. ET
LeBron James has long been synonymous with Christmas Day games, and this year, he’s back in the spotlight. As the league’s all-time leading scorer, James has racked up more points on Christmas than any other player, and he’ll look to extend that record in a matchup against the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers will also see the return of Kevin Durant, a Christmas Day legend in his own right, who ranks fourth on the all-time Christmas scoring list. The matchup will also feature Doncic, who is playing his first Christmas game as a Laker. With both James and Doncic leading the charge, the Lakers will be hoping to improve their record on the day and get back to .500 on Christmas Day.
Timberwolves at Nuggets: 10:30 p.m. ET
The final game of the day features a rising rivalry between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets. The two teams have split playoff series in 2023 and 2024, and this year’s matchup promises to bring more fireworks.
Nikola Jokic, a two-time MVP and one of the most dynamic players in the league, is also no stranger to Christmas Day performances. He has a chance to add to his legacy, with one of the only triple-doubles in Christmas history to his name. Another one would make Jokic one of the only players to record multiple triple-doubles on this historic day.
Could We See a New Christmas Day Scoring Record?
With so many scoring threats on display, the question is whether anyone will be able to break Bernard King’s record of 60 points. Luka Doncic, in particular, has been red-hot in his Christmas Day performances, and if he can put together another historic game, he could join the likes of King, Kobe Bryant, and Wilt Chamberlain as the top performers on the holiday.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards are also capable of lighting up the scoreboard, and both have the skills to challenge the record. With so many talented players on display, this Christmas Day slate has the potential to be one of the best in NBA history.
