Image Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Most memorable Christmas day moments in NBA history

Let's pick the most memorable Christmas Day moments in NBA history.

Image Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Christmas Day is back with five exciting matchups but most importantly, we will see top rivalries on Wednesday. The league announced the schedule for 2024 Christmas Day and the first matchup will kick off at 12:30 PM. Every game will have a gap of two and a half hours so fans can enjoy each game on Christmas.

NBA’s Christmas Day event started in 1947 and each year, we witnessed exciting games with top-notch performances and great rivalries. Recently, we covered Top 5 Best Christmas Day games in NBA history and these matchups will also take you to a different ride.

Let’s pick the most memorable Christmas Day moments in NBA history.

Bernard King 60-point show – 1984

1984’s clash between the New York Knicks and the New Jersey Nets will be remembered for a record-breaking performance from Bernard King. The Hall of Famer scored 60 points and set a new record for most points on Christmas Day in NBA history. Despite his heroics, the Knicks failed short in a 120-114 loss.

Reunion of Kobe Bryant and Shaq O’Neal – 2004

Reunions are always special in NBA but the Kobe-Shaq reunion on Christmas Day 2004 will be marked as one of the most memorable moments. Emotional Shaq faced his former side, the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly anticipated showdown.

O’Neal, who played NBA finals with Kobe Bryant in 2004, moved to the Miami Heat following a trade in the offseason. Kobe Bryant scored 42 points and Shaq O’Neal tallied a double-double with 24 points. O’Neal managed to beat his former side 104-102.

20 years ago on Christmas, Kobe dropped 42 in his first ever matchup vs Shaq after their ugly breakup 🐍

One of the highest anticipated matches ever 🔥
pic.twitter.com/Dda1FFY2ss
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) December 24, 2024

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Patrick Ewing vs. Michael Jordan at the buzzer – 1986

One more memorable moment goes to the New York Knicks. Michael Jorden made his Christmas debut in 1986. The NBA legend faced his former college rival, Patrick Ewing in a cracking showdown at Madison Square Garden. Ewing had the last laugh with a game-winning putback and the New York Knicks secured an 86-85 win against Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

Michael Jordan delivers a Christmas Day poster to the Knicks! (1986) pic.twitter.com/dIiY2KQr6t
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) December 16, 2024

Magic take revenge in NBA Finals rematch – 1995

The new generation will only remember the Caves-Warriors clash for the best NBA Finals rematch on Christmas Day. But, no one can forget the 1995 Christmas Day clash between the previous season’s finalists. Orlando Magic completed a short revenge for the heartbreaking loss in the Championship clash with a 92-90 win over the Rockets. Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway scored 22 points apiece for the Magic.

“Jingle Hoops” rings on Christmas Day – 2013

The NBA added a commercial angle to 2013’s Christmas Day and offered something new to enjoy on the holiday. The top five players of the season shot three-pointers to the tune of the Christmas classic “Jingle Bells.” Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, James Harden and Steve Nash came together across the 3-point line and shot at five different hoops to recreate the campaign.

“Jingle Hoops” will be back on Christmas Day 2024, featuring Stephen Curry (Warriors), Kevin Durant (Suns), LeBron James (Lakers), Luka Doncic (Mavericks) and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).

Special mention:

Cavs pull off a comeback in NBA Finals rematch against Warriors – 2016
Lakers halt Celtics’ winning streak – 2008
Wilt Chamberlain’s double-double in double overtime clash – 1961

Image Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.