The best NBA Christmas games

When you think of Christmas do you think of presents, family or NBA basketball?

Trick question, you think of all three. The NBA has been playing Christmas games all the way back to its second season in 1947.

These games are primetime television and often feature some of the best teams and players in the league. Since 1947, we have had some incredible contests on the 25th of December. So in the spirit of the holiday season, I present to you my top five NBA Christmas Day games.

5. 2011 Bulls vs. Lakers

This game, while low-scoring by today’s NBA standards, was an absolute dandy.

Derrick Rose was still playing at an MVP level at this point, and he showed out in the contest scoring 22 points on 9-for-13 shooting to pace the Bulls in scoring. This Bulls team is ripe with legendary roleplayers such as Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng, who dropped 15 and 21 points respectively.

Led by the Hall-of-Famer Kobe Bryant weren't going to be beaten easily, however. Bryant Scored 28 points followed by Pau Gasol who scored 14. Providing a solid performance off the bench for the Lakers was Steve Blake who scored 12 points.

The Bulls would pull this win out 88-87 after Rose scored a shot with little time left and Deng rejected a Bryant buzzer-beater.

4. 2018 Celtics vs. 76ers

This game was loaded with star power, and it did not disappoint.

Kyrie Irving scored 40 points and compiled 10 rebounds for a double-double. Marcus Morris Sr. and Jayson Tatum both scored 23 points, while Jaylen Brown added 10 coming off of the bench for the Celtics.

The Sixers were bolstered by Joel Embiid, who collected a double-double with 34 points and 16 rebounds. Jimmy Butler scored 24, while Ben Simmons, Wilson Chandler and J.J. Redick all chipped in double digits.

Irving’s big game would be all the Celtics would need to win 121-114.

3. 2004 Heat vs. Lakers

Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal would match up against each other for the first time since winning a title together on Christmas day in 2004.

Bryant would have a signature game scoring 42 points to try and best Shaq. Behind Bryant would be Lamar Odom who tallied a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Dwayne Wade would lead the Heat in scoring with 29. O’Neal would add 24 and Eddie Jones would put up 18.

O’Neal would get the best of his former squad winning 104-102.

2. 2021 Celtics vs. Bucks

These two Eastern Conference heavyweights tangled on Christmas day for one of the best games of the season.

Giannis Antetekounmpo, fresh off missing a few games, returned without missing a beat and scored 36 points. Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday would score 17, but Wesley Matthews provided a key late three in the game.

Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 25 points for the Celtics. Payton Pritchard would add 16 points off of the bench for Boston.

Matthews’ late three and the big performance from Antetekounmpo would spell a Bucks 117-113 win.

1. 2016 Cavs vs. Warriors

It seems Kyrie Irving has a knack for playing on Christmas Day.

Irving would score 25 on that day. Lebron James would lead the team scoring 31. Kevin Love added 20 to help bolster the Cavs squad.

The Warriors would rely on Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson who scored 36 and 24 points respectively. Steph Curry struggled, only managing to score 15.

This game which would unknowingly preview the NBA finals matchup, ended after a clutch late shot from Kyrie Irving.

Luke Stefanisko is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ljs6415@psu.edu.