The NBA Christmas Day matchups have become a time-honored tradition, showcasing some of the league’s best teams and biggest stars in highly anticipated showdowns. As fans gather around their televisions to enjoy some holiday basketball, let’s take a look at some of the most anticipated Christmas Day matches throughout NBA history.
1. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (2008)
The Christmas Day battle between the Lakers and Celtics in 2008 was a highly anticipated matchup between two bitter rivals. Both teams were led by future Hall of Famers – Kobe Bryant for the Lakers and Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett for the Celtics. This game was a precursor to the epic seven-game NBA Finals series that these two powerhouses would ultimately play that season, with Boston coming out on top.
2. Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (2014)
The Heat’s LeBron James returning to Cleveland for a Christmas Day showdown against his former team, the Cavaliers, was the highlight of the 2014 NBA Christmas Day lineup. It marked LeBron’s first game back in Cleveland after leaving the team in free agency. There was immense hype surrounding this game, and it didn’t disappoint. LeBron delivered an impressive performance, leading the Cavaliers to a victory over his former teammates.
3. Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (2016)
The 2016 Christmas Day matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers was a rematch of the previous year’s NBA Finals. With Kevin Durant joining the Warriors in the offseason, this matchup took on added significance. Fans were eager to see if the Cavaliers could avenge their Finals loss or if the newly formed “super team” in Golden State would continue their dominance. The game went down to the wire, with the Cavaliers prevailing in a thrilling contest.
4. Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (2017)
The 2017 Christmas Day matchup pitted two former MVPs, James Harden and Russell Westbrook, against each other. With both players known for their explosive scoring and highlight-reel plays, fans were excited to see them go head-to-head. The game lived up to the hype, with Harden putting on a scoring clinic to lead the Rockets to victory.
5. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers (2019)
The battle for Los Angeles took center stage on Christmas Day 2019, as the Lakers and Clippers faced off. The buildup to this game was immense, as it marked the first meeting between LeBron James and Anthony Davis of the Lakers and Kawhi Leonard and Paul George of the Clippers. This matchup showcased the two best teams in the city and gave fans a taste of the potential playoff matchups that lay ahead. The Clippers emerged victorious in a tightly contested game.
As we look forward to this year’s NBA Christmas Day matchups, the anticipation is palpable. With star-studded lineups and intriguing storylines, NBA fans are in for a treat. Whether it’s a matchup between historic rivals or a clash of superstar players, Christmas Day basketball consistently delivers memorable moments that fans cherish for years to come. So gather around the TV, grab some eggnog, and enjoy the show!