The NBA's Christmas Day games are a spectacle unlike any other. With billions of eyes glued to the screens, pressure mounts on the stars to deliver their most dazzling performances. As we gear up for the 2023 edition, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most iconic records and moments that have etched themselves into basketball history.
King James Reigns Supreme: LeBron James, the undisputed king of Christmas basketball, leads the charge with 18 appearances, surpassing even 17 entire franchises! He also holds the record for most total points scored on the day (460), solidifying his legacy as a holiday hoops legend.
Record-Breaking Performances: While James may have the most games under his belt, the record for most points in a single game belongs to Bernard King, who dropped a jaw-dropping 60 points for the Knicks in 1984. And for the highest team score, we rewind to the 1970-71 season, where the Virginia Squires lit up the scoreboard with a whopping 145 points on their Christmas debut.
Victories and Steals: In the win column, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are neck-and-neck, both boasting 10 victories. With the Lakers facing the Celtics this year, James has a chance to grab sole ownership of the record. On the defensive end, Russell Westbrook holds the career steals record (29), while Kyrie Irving is the king of single-game steals (7) with his clutch performance against the Warriors.
Passing the Torch: Legendary players like Oscar Robertson (career assists) and Shaquille O'Neal (career blocks) have etched their names in Christmas history, while younger stars like Patty Mills (most three-pointers in a game) and De'Andre Jordan (most blocks in a game) are making their mark on the festive court.
Looking Ahead: As the NBA landscape evolves, new stars will undoubtedly emerge to rewrite the Christmas record books. With Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Ja Morant all set to grace the court this year, the future of Christmas Day basketball promises to be just as exciting as its past.
