The NBA has been playing Christmas games since 1949, when the Lakers became the first franchise to participate. They then moved to the Basketball Association of America (BAA). Since then, the Lakers have played a total of 46 Christmas games. This streak is set to extend in 1999. With a record of 24-22 on Christmas Day, the Lakers are a longtime favorite. The Celtics, meanwhile, are one of the original BAA clubs and have played a total of 34 NBA Christmas games. They were an annual until 1959.
NBA players will have to make do with less Christmas cheer this year. After all, James is playing in his 16th Christmas game this year. He needs just 12 points to break Kobe Bryant's record. He will be focusing on winning the game and not worrying about the record. But first, let's review his record:
As of today, LeBron James has the second-most Christmas games record in the NBA. With his three-point average this season, he is just 17 points behind Kobe Bryant's record of 395 points in 16 appearances. Despite this, James remains on pace to surpass Kobe's record, which he shared with Kobe Bryant in 2004.
In the Lakers' 138-115 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day, LeBron James scored 22 points and had ten assists and seven rebounds. In this victory, James became the second-highest scorer on Christmas Day, behind Kobe Bryant, Oscar Robertson, and Dwyan Wade. Moreover, James is tied with Dwyan Wade for the most Christmas wins with 10 in a row.
Other NBA Christmas Day games have been unforgettable, too. The first game was played on Dec. 25, 1947, with the New York Knicks defeating the Providence Steamrollers. Several memorable games have followed, including the 60-point performance by Bernard King in 1984, the last-second block by Patrick Ewing in 1985, and the Christmas Day victory of the Knicks against the Boston Celtics in 1994.
The Christmas game has featured the Celtics or Lakers since 1999. The Celtics won in 2001, and the Lakers won in 2008 and 2009. These were the first Christmas games in which LeBron James had played against the Boston Celtics in a season. During the 2008-09 championship season, the Lakers won back-to-back titles. That makes them the most successful player in Christmas games.
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The NBA schedule for Christmas Day has some marquee matchups, including a meeting between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to play in that game, despite being out of action for more than 10 days. His status has not been updated yet, but he is expected to play against Boston.
After clearing the NBA's health and safety protocols, Giannis Antetokounmpa is expected to play in the Bucks' Christmas game on Friday. He has missed the last five games and will be questionable against the Celtics on Saturday. Antetokounmpo will likely play in the game against the Bucks on Christmas Day versus the Boston Celtics, but the team won't rush him back if he's not 100 percent ready to play. If he does play, it'll be a great Christmas gift for NBA fans.
The Bucks' roster is changing frequently due to health protocols. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has missed five games due to health protocols. The Bucks will likely use a rotation of starters, but Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to play on Christmas after missing the last five. In the meantime, he'll likely be rested because of his recent injury.
Giannis Antetokounmpa has played in three Christmas games, but hasn't hit a triple-double yet. But he is still the all-time leader in Christmas games, despite falling short in his debut on the holiday. Despite all this, Antetokounmpo's debut Christmas game against Philadelphia might have been his best.
It's been a while since the Bucks last played on Christmas Day. The season ended in a 0-0 tie in the Boston Celtics-Boston Pistons matchup. The Bucks' record is a perfect example of how the NBA works. And with a new star like Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks will be favored to win.
As a result, the NBA Christmas games will look like summer league with a few stars. The game will also be a daylong apology for the hysteria. Meanwhile, the NBA commissioner has made it clear that there will be no rematches this year. In addition to Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent Christmas game MVP performance, the Bucks will also feature Khris Middleton and Jayson Tatum.
Giannis Antetokounmpa has played in all three of the Bucks' Christmas games this season. He could be the first NBA champion to play on Christmas Day this year, and could become the MVP of the Finals. And his team's record will be a strong one this year as well. If Giannis Antetokounmpo can continue to play at this level, the Bucks could win the championship this season.
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The Golden State Warriors and the Clippers will square off on Christmas Day. Last season, these two had a Christmas Day duel that was a must-see game. Chris Paul was the league's top point guard, while Curry was a rising star. The Golden State Warriors became one of the most important teams in the league, and their matchup on Christmas Day embodied the great rivalry between these two.
The Warriors and Clippers combined to score over 100 points last year. Last time, they combined for 80 points, 24 assists, and 11 three-pointers. Those are high totals, and this duel should be no different. Both teams are loaded with offensive talent, with David Lee and Blake Griffin battling down low. And while Curry and Paul will be the main men on the court, the Clippers have plenty of weapons.
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