In the National Basketball Association(NBA), it is tradition to stage games on Christmas Day. These games typically showcase highly anticipated match-ups between the best teams in the league.
Some of the NBA’s most unforgettable regular-season games have taken place on Christmas. Below is a list I have made of some of the most iconic and exciting Christmas Day games.
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers-2010
This match-up resulted in a comfortable 96-80 win for the LeBron James and Dwyane Wade-led Heat. Although the result wasn’t very exciting, it was remedied by the anticipation of the game.
LeBron James, who was coming off of his second MVP season in the 2009-10 season had just made his infamous decision. In July of 2010, he decided to leave Cleveland and join his good friend, Dwyane Wade. This decision made the entire season interesting for the Heat. Every game James played were some of the most anticipated games in the NBA, especially his return to Cleveland. On the opposing side, the Lakers were fresh off of winning the NBA championship and sought to uphold their reputation as the most dominant offensive force in basketball.
James dominated the game with a triple-double of 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists. Lakers star, Kobe Bryant, who was the reigning Finals MVP had a bit of an off night, scoring 17 points and shooting 6/16. The late Hall of Famer averaged 25.3 points per game in 2011 and shot 45% from the field.
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers-2004
Another highly anticipated between these two teams took place in 2004. This was the first match-up between Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant after the former was traded away in 2004.
The duo worked well together on the court, winning three consecutive NBA titles with the Lakers. However, the relationship off the court was rocky and a bitter feud caused O’Neal to be traded.
Unlike the 2010 match-up, this game was truly entertaining in addition to the high anticipation leading up to it. The Heat won in a tight match-up. The game went into overtime and concluded with Miami winning 104-102. They were led by a great performance out of rising star Dwyane Wade, who recorded 29 points and 10 assists. O’Neal had a respectable game as well, with a 24 point, 11 rebound double-double. However, he fouled out late in the game. Bryant carried the Lakers, with a season-high 42 points. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough for the Lakers to take home the win.
Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks-1986
NBA legend, Michael Jordan’s first Christmas Day game was one of the most entertaining of all time. This would also define the start of one of the greatest rivalries of the 1990s.
As the Bulls led 85-84 in the final seconds of the game, Hall of Famer, Patrick Ewing left the young Bulls shell-shocked when he hit a buzzer-beating jump shot to win the game for the Knicks.
Between 1989 and 1996, the two teams would meet in the playoffs during 6 of the 8 years. The Bulls dominated for the most part, winning five of the six series. The Knicks only series win came in 1994, following Jordan’s short-lived retirement.
Houston Rockets vs Orlando Magic-1995
Following a heartbreaking end in the 1995 NBA Finals, the up and coming Orlando Magic were looking to get revenge against Hakeem Olajuwon’s Rockets. The Rockets had a one-sided victory over the Magic in the finals, sweeping them behind a dominant performance from Olajuwon, who averaged 32.8 points and 11.5 rebounds.
In spite of their championship win, the Rockets still felt there was more to prove. They had many fans putting an asterisk on their run due to Michael Jordan’s two-year retirement. Because of this, they were determined to prove that MJ’s retirement had nothing to do with their success.
The Magic managed to get back at the Rockets, winning the game 92-90 after Penny Hardaway hit a clutch jumper to put the Magic ahead 92-90 with just three seconds remaining.
Despite the hype surrounding both teams, neither returned to the finals as both were overpowered by the stacked 1996 Bulls. This team was led by one of if not the greatest big 3 to ever play in Jordan, Scottie Pippen and the controversial but talented Dennis Rodman.
Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers-2016
Unfortunately, I personally didn’t get the luxury of watching any of the above mentioned games live. On the contrary, I got the pleasure of seeing what is possibly the most entertaining Christmas Day game ever in December of 2016.
