The NBA has associated Christmas Day with exciting basketball encounters vividly. People our yearly look at the blockbuster games featuring some of the league’s best talent. But which Christmas games can be considered iconic in the history of the NBA? Below is a countdown of the top five memorable classes played on Christmas Day that have fans enthralled.
1. New York Knicks vs. New Jersey Nets (1984)
One of the most famous NBA games to this date is from 1984 in which the New York Knicks played with the New Jersey Nets team, especially named the night of Bernard King. King played one of his best games by scoring 60 points, which remains the highest point scored on Christmas Day to this date according to the NBA. However, it was not enough and the Knicks ended up being beaten 120-114 by Brooklyn’s Nets. This game is rightly considered one of the greatest team achievements on the day associated with outstanding performances.
2. Philadelphia Warriors vs. New York Knicks (1961)
Another one was a game that Wilt Chamberlain played against the Knicks in 1961 in a double-overtime. Chamberlain put up 59 points and 36 boards, but the Warriors fell short 136-135. His rebounds in this game are an NBA record for a Christmas day game and this game is also known for its great back-and-forth fight and a great achievement by Chamberlain.
3. Orlando Magic Vs Houston Rockets (1995)
The match was played on Christmas Day in 1995, and it was the regain of the match from the final of the previous NBA season to participate Shaquille O’Neal and Hakeem Olajuwon. Magic topped the Rockets with a score of 92-90 as Penny Hardaway nailed the game-winning basket with three seconds left. This particular clash was not only contentious but also vital due to the confrontation of two legendary centers of the NBA.
4. Lakers VS Heat (2004)
This game was special because this was one of the first Christmas Day games of Shaquille O’Neal against his former team, Lakers. The Heat defeated the Thunder 104-102 in what had proven to be a very close game with Wade delivering a commendable stint for Miami. This game further defined Wade as a new star and increased the intrigue of O’Neal to play against his former team at such a big stage.
5. Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers (2018)
The Celtics’ win over the 76ers in 2018 is one of the most memorable games that was played during Christmas. Kyrie Irving also performing brilliantly in this match scored 40 points and the Celtics clinched the match 121-114 as per NBA. This game had its fair share of hype and brought together two conference foes who met on one of the world stages for basketball.
In your opinion, which Christmas Day game had the most profound consequences on the players’ careers? Many of these games also showcase sensational performances of some players apart from illustrating how Christmas Day has arguably adopted the NBA.
