By Floyd Barber
Look back at NBA on Christmas Day history, including top performances & record-breaking moments, before this year’s 5-game slate.
The NBA will continue its tradition of playing games on Christmas Day with five marquee matchups on Dec. 25. Below is a look at some of the standout games, notable individual performances and key facts to know heading into this year’s holiday.
> When did the NBA begin playing on Christmas Day?
The NBA began playing games on Christmas Day in 1947 in its second season. This year marks the 77th edition of the NBA on Christmas Day.
> What’s the schedule for the NBA on Christmas Day in 2024?
- San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks (Noon ET)
- Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks (2:30 p.m. ET)
- Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics (5 p.m. ET)
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors (8 p.m. ET)
- Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns (10:30 p.m. ET)
> Where can I watch all five games?
ABC and ESPN will air all five Christmas Day games in the United States, spanning more than 13 consecutive hours of coverage. Additionally, for the Spurs-Knicks matchup, ESPN and Disney will collaborate with Sony’s Beyond Sports for Dunk the Halls, the 1st-ever animated presentation of an NBA game on Christmas Day. The special alt-cast will stream on ESPN2, Disney+ and ESPN+.
The NBA on Christmas Day will reach fans in 215 countries and territories in 60 languages.
> What are the first-time Christmas Day matchups this year?
Two of the five games are first-time matchups on Christmas Day: Spurs vs. Knicks and Wolves vs. Mavs.
> Which team has played the most games on Christmas Day?
The Knicks have played the most games on Christmas Day with 56 (entering their matchup against the Spurs this year). An original NBA franchise, New York played its first Christmas game in 1947.
> Which recent NBA champions will be in action on Christmas day?
The last three NBA champions will be in action: Golden State Warriors (2021-22), Denver Nuggets (2022-23) and Boston Celtics (2023-24).
> Who is making their Christmas Day debuts this year?
Two-time NBA All-Star Anthony Edwards of Minnesota and 2023-24 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama of San Antonio are among the players set to make their Christmas Day debuts this year.
> Who holds the Christmas Day record for points, games played and victories?
LeBron James is the Christmas Day career leader in points (476) and games played (18) and the co-leader in victories (10) with Dwyane Wade.
Other Christmas Day career leaders include Bill Russell for rebounds (176); Oscar Robertson for assists (145); Shaquille O’Neal for blocked shots (25); Russell Westbrook for steals (29); and James Harden for three-pointers made (31).
> Who has scored the most points on Christmas Day?
Bernard King scored a Christmas Day-record 60 points for the Knicks against the New Jersey Nets in 1984, making this year the 40th anniversary of his performance.
Other Christmas Day single-game leaders include Wilt Chamberlain for rebounds (36 in 1961); Guy Rodgers and Nate “Tiny” Archibald for assists (18 in 1966 and 1972, respectively); DeAndre Jordan for blocked shots (eight in 2011); Kyrie Irving for steals (seven in 2016); and Patty Mills, Luka Dončić and Grayson Allen for three-pointers made (eight in 2021, 2023 and 2023, respectively).
> How many players have scored 50 or more points on Christmas Day?
Four players have scored 50 or points in a game on Christmas Day. The most recent player to accomplish this was Mavericks guard Luka Dončić, who scored 50 points last year, joining Bernard King (60 in 1984), Wilt Chamberlain (59 in 1961) and Rick Barry (50 in 1966).
> Who has the highest career scoring average on Christmas Day in history?
Tracy McGrady has the highest career scoring average on Christmas Day at 43.3 points per game. He scored at least 40 points in each of his three games.
> Which team has the highest winning percentage on Christmas Day?
Miami has the highest winning percentage among active teams on Christmas Day at .857 (12-2 record), which includes its current nine-game winning streak.
The Heat are unbeaten on Christmas Day under current head coach Erik Spoelstra (9-0).
> How many players have posted triple-doubles on Christmas Day?
Nine players have recorded a triple-double on Christmas Day: Oscar Robertson (four), John Havlicek, Billy Cunningham, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook (two), Draymond Green, Kemba Walker, James Harden and Nikola Jokić.
> Which team has the most victories on Christmas Day?
The Lakers and Knicks are tied for the most team victories on Christmas Day with 24.
> Which coach has the most victories on Christmas Day?
Phil Jackson and Jack Ramsay share the record for most head coaching victories on Christmas Day with 11 each.
COURTESY NBA COMMUNICATIONS
