Christmas Day games in the NBA have taken place since 1947. There are five games played on Christmas Day; however, unlike the NFL, there are no fixed opponents. The games feature some of the league’s best teams and matchups, and there is often a rematch of the prior season’s NBA Finals. The 2022 NBA Christmas Day Games promise to feature a bit of Christmas cheer and spirit woven into the games, as players routinely wear sneakers with Christmas colors and patterns. In the past, players have also worn holiday-themed socks, accessories, as well as alternate uniforms.
Memorable Moments
In more recent history, Christmas Day in the NBA has seen not only memorable matchups but scoring in bunches as well. In 1984, Knicks great Bernard King scored 60 points, the most ever for a Christmas Day game. Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant faced off against former teammate Shaquille O’Neal on Christmas Day, 2004. Bryant also faced off against LeBron James in 2009 and 2010. Hall-of-fame coach Phil Jackson won his 1,000th game on Christmas Day, 2008. In 2021, LeBron James became the all-time leading Christmas Day scorer, surpassing former record holder Kobe Bryant.
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks
The Sixers, led by James Harden and Joel Embiid, come into Madison Square Garden to face RJ Barrett and the Knicks.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks
LeBron James and his Lakers teammates head to Dallas for a Western Conference battle with Luka Doncic and the Mavs.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics
All eyes will be on this 2022 Eastern Conference Semi-finals rematch, as Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks travel TD Garden to square off against Jayson Tatum’s Celtics
Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors
Making their Christmas Day debut, Ja Morant and the Grizz. head west to do battle with the Splash Brothers, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors.
Phoenix Suns vs Denver Nuggets
Reigning-MVP Nikola Jokic, and his Nuggets teammates welcome in Devin Booker and the Suns, for a marquee Western Conference matchup.
