Christmas Day, December 25, have been an annual tradition since the league’s second season in 1947. Currently, five games are played on Christmas. Christmas Day as both player and coach. Jackson is tied for the most coaching christmas games on Christmas Day and won his 1,000th game as a coach on Christmas Day in 2008.
The two teams have played against each other twice. In the early days, regional proximity dictated most of the matchups. Teams would usually play their geographical rivals to cut down on holiday travel and to allow them to have more time with their families. In the early 1980s, the New York Knicks put on a show three years in a row. The Knicks have played more Christmas Day games than any other team, with 54 total.
Some players have participated on Christmas Day as both player and coach. Doc Rivers played with the Knicks in 1992 and coached the Boston Celtics from 2008 to 2013. Many teams and players that have played on this day have worn special uniforms and sneakers. After Nike became the uniform provider in 2017, no Christmas-themed uniforms were produced. Instead, NBA teams playing on that day wore either “City” or “Statement” alternate uniforms.
The NBA Christmas Day contests have featured some of the most memorable games ever played. Bernard King scored 60 points for the New York Knicks in 1984. The first showdown featuring Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal as opponents occurred on Christmas, 2004. As a result of a lockout in 2011, Christmas Day was also the season opener. Rivalries have also been showcased during games played on this day. 654 for the home team on Christmas Day is better than the overall winning percentage for home teams during the regular season or the playoffs since 1992. After a season’s NBA Finals comes to an end, officials from both the NBA and the network that broadcast the NBA meet to plan the schedule of games for the holiday during the upcoming season.
A woman wearing a long black gown. She has long golden hair and is holding a sparkling microphone. She is standing on a large red stage, surrounded by dancers in white attire. Additional background scenery include the audience and three background singers wearing white ensembles and standing on a large platform.