NBA Christmas hoops 2023 recap

(NBAE via Getty Images)

Possibly the best day of the year for NBA basketball fans did not disappoint. The onslaught of games is widely considered the time NBA hoops picks up the intensity and players turn up the competition. The season thus far has notably been more competitive than previous ones due to the in-season tournament, where Lebron James and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indian Pacers taking home the trophy, as well as $500,000.

Knicks vs. Bucks

The New York Knicks and Milwaukee Bucks tipped off the action at famed Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks picked up their 24th franchise Christmas day win. NY point guard Jalen Brunson was deep in his bag gifting 38 points and a loss to the Bucks, spoiling their Christmas. It was also only the second time in franchise history that four players scored over 20 points, including the two others lefties (RJ Barret and Julius Randle) as well as backup point guard Immanuel Quickly. 

The Bucks have been busy on the 25th, appearing in the last six Christmas day games. Stars Giannis and Damion Lillard both poured in 32 points but came up short 122-129. Hustle and focus proved to be the Bucks downfall today.

Denver vs. Golden State

Last year's NBA champs opened up the second game of the day at home vs. the 10th seed Golden State Warriors. Warriors forward Draymond Green, of course did not play as he continues his indefinite suspension for a punch thrown at Phoenix Suns center, Jusuf Nurkic the week prior. 

With Green’s absence, third year forward Jonathan Kuminga has elevated his production with his increased minutes, averaging 15.9 points and six rebounds per game. Another young player that has seen increased floor time is rookie big man Trayce Jackson-Davis, son of Pacers Legend Dale Davis. Jackson-Davis offers a different look than Green and even starting center Kevon Looney, with his ability to catch lobs and block shots. 

This is the 11th straight year the Warriors have played on Christmas Day. Perhaps the all-time leading 3pt shooting point guard, Stephen Curry was up late the night before wrapping Christmas gifts because he got off to a very slow start, hitting his first field goal with under 3 minutes to go in the second half. Despite that, the Warriors went into the half with a narrow 54-53 point lead. 

The game remained close throughout, each team exchanging blows. However the Nuggets' balanced team attacks proved to be too much for Warriors, ultimately defeating them 120-114 lead by point guard Jamal Murray’s 28 points while star center Nikola Jokic filtered with a triple- double (26 pts, 14 ast, 8 rebs). 

The Warriors now sit at a disappointing 15-15 overall record and have not looked as if they pose a real threat to western conference they once dominated. Rookie Brandon Podziemski played well finishing with 13 points, 6 ast, and 9 rebs. His continued progression has been a bright spot for the Dubs.

Lakers vs. Celtics

“The only thing I care about Monday right now is my daughter waking up and opening her gifts,” Lebron James said two days prior to the game.

James shows up more on Christmas than Santa Clause having now played in 18 Christmas Day games, which is the most in NBA history. 

The 38 year old has had a number of stellar Christmas performances over his tremendous  21-year career. This year at Crypto however, not so much, scoring 16 points which is nine under his average. Anthony Davis carried the load scoring 40, including some timely buckets down the stretch. The Lakers had just one other player score over 15 points which was Taurean Prince with 17. They now fall to 16-15, 10th in the West one game ahead of Golden State. 

The Celtics on the other hand were in the Christmas spirit, sharing the rock and spreading joy, gifting their fans a 126-115 win. The C’s looked like the best overall team of the night with such a balanced attack of scoring and tough team defense. The acquisition of Latvian big man Kristaps Porzingis can really take them over the hump this year if he remains healthy. He provides good size down low and due to his smooth shooting touch, the appropriate floor spacing for Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brown to create one v. one. Porzingis put up a big time double-double with 28 points and 14 rebounds. 

Tatum had a solid performance as well scoring 25 and adding seven dimes. He also unveiled his fire new Jayson Tatum 2 shoes. Three other Celtics also contributed at least 18 points to the victory.

Heat vs. Sixers

Each team was without their star for this Christmas day matchup, but others were able to step up. It was a close game throughout. Personally, I couldn't help but sing “La la la la BAMBA,” throughout the game! Mo Bamba, the former 6th pick in the 2018 draft had himself a night! Going 7-8 from the field, and drained 3-3 three-pointers on his way to 18 points. It was good to see the big man have a big game, on a big stage in Joel Embiid's absence. 

Besides him, the Sixers got most of their production from the wings. Tobias Harris put up 27 and Kelly Oubre Jr 25, both with 7 boards. Rising star, Tyrese Maxey struggled from the field shooting only 4-20 finishing with 12 points. It was a well played defensive game on both sides though so you can chalk it up to that and move on in case of Maxey.

The dagger was a Duncan Robinson triple with two minutes left in the game to put the Heat up 9. Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. may be going under the radar a bit, but he is having a sensational rookie season. He poured in 31 points and 10 rebounds with Jimmy Butler out with a calf strain. 

Center Bam Adebayo also put up a monster double-double with 26 and 15 rebounds. Tyler Herro added a clutch 22 as well. Currently sitting at 18-12, if the Heat put together all around team-effort wins like this, they will be very dangerous in the East. 

Suns vs. Mavericks

Capping off the night back out west, the Phoenix Suns hosted Luka and the Mavericks. Not too much to say about the Suns, accept they have been arguably the biggest disappointment in the league thus far. We haven't seen the big three play more than 36 minutes together- that's less than three quarters of NBA basketball.

But we know they can score, that won't be their issue. Even though both scoring juggernauts, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker struggled last night combining for only 36 points, that side of the ball is the least of their concerns. The Suns struggle mightily on defense! Their rotations are often slow and rank in the bottom half of the league in almost every defensive category. 

Luka Doncic picked them apart. Throwing cross court dimes out of the pick and roll and getting to his spots. He wins performance of the day, dropping a crazy 50 point, 15 assist double-double. Merry Christmas from Luka Doncic!