5 best Christmas day games in NBA history

The NBA Christmas Day slate is here, and we are in for some incredible matchups and performances. Instead of a standard NBA Finals rematch, the league has focused on some budding rivalries such as the Grizzlies, Warriors in the West, and the Bucks facing the Celtics in the East.

Along with opening night, Christmas Day games are arguably the most-viewed regular-season games of the year. Only star-studded teams and championship contenders get a matchup at Christmas.

Let's look at some of the greatest NBA Christmas Day games of all time.

What are some of the best NBA Christmas Day games ever?

The NBA hosted its first-ever NBA Finals rematch in 1995, and it has become a tradition for years to come. The Shaquille O'Neal-led Orlando Magic hosted the reigning champions, Hakeem Olajuwon's Houston Rockets, and sought revenge. They won the game 92-90 behind a game-winner by Penny Hardaway.

The 2010 Christmas matchup between the LA Lakers and Miami Heat was also one for the ages. Fans wanted a "LeBron vs Kobe" NBA Finals but never got one, so this game was highly anticipated. James' triple-double was the first one on Christmas Day in the last 40 years, and he became just the 4th player ever to do so. The newly-formed superteam in Miami, called the "Heatles", destroyed the reigning champions LA Lakers by 16 points (96-80).

Take a look at some of the most iconic matchups of all time.

Note: We have taken into account franchise and city rivalries, star rivalries, memorable and record-breaking performances, and game excitement, among other things while curating this list.

Honorable Mention: 2021 - LA Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets

LeBron James of the LA Lakers tries to contest a shot by Blake Griffin of the Brooklyn Nets in 2021

The game saw a number of stars absent due to injury and many expected the game to be dull. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Anthony Davis were all sidelined while former stars like Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, and Blake Griffin were past their prime. This game was supposed to look like an All-Star game and looking at so many injuries, many fans were disappointed.

However, this matchup didn't disappoint at all and in fact, saw a number of record-breaking performances. LeBron James entered this game just 11 points shy of the all-time Christmas Day record and he dropped 39 points in regulation, overtaking Kobe Bryant for the history books.

Additionally, James Harden recorded a 36-point triple-double with 10 assists and 10 rebounds. He became the 8th player ever to at so on Christmas. Amazingly, Russell Westbrook also posted a triple-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. This was the only NBA Christmas Day game in which the opponents scored a triple-double.

Interestingly, that wasn't all. Patty Mills dropped 8 threes in the game en route to 34 points. 8 triples is an NBA record for most threes in a Christmas Day game.

#5 1961 - Cinncinati Royals vs LA Lakers

Jerry West and Elgin Baylor of the LA Lakers in 1961

The 1961 Christmas Day was one of the most eventful in NBA history. The Cincinnati Royals took on the LA Lakers and the fans saw a scoring barrage. Four players dropped over 30 points with two scoring over 40 points. The teams went toe-to-toe as Purple and Gold emerged victorious. All four 30-point scorers shot over 52% from the field as the Lakers won 141-127.

It was a star-studded matchup and it didn't disappoint.

#4 1961 - Philadelphia Warriors vs New York Knicks

Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia Warriors against the New York Knicks in 1961

In another excellent game on NBA Christmas Day 1961, this matchup was a double-overtime thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Philadelphia Warriors' Wilt Chamberlain made history with 59 points and 36 rebounds but still came up short against the New York Knicks. The Knicks won the game by a single point (136-135) after a grueling 58 minutes despite The Big Dipper's gargantuan performance.

Chamberlain's 59 points are the second-highest ever on Christmas Day and his 36 rebounds are also an NBA Christmas Day record.

#3 1986 - Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks

Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls against Patrick Ewing of the New York Knicks

Michael Jordan's Christmas Day debut was spoiled by Patrick Ewing and the New York Knicks in 1986. Interestingly, it was the only Christmas Day game MJ played on the road and he had to bear the crowd celebrating as his team lost by a buzzer-beater. Jordan dropped 30 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 steals but couldn't secure the victory. This was before Scottie Pippen was drafted and the scoring burden was all on his shoulder.

#2 2016 - Golden State Warriors vs Cleveland Cavaliers

Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors against LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016

This matchup was, without a doubt, one of the most thrilling games of all time. The LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers came back from down 3-1 in the NBA Finals and won the series in Game 7 on the road.

To make sure they win again, the Dubs signed Kevin Durant in free agency that summer and came back looking like a behemoth. So the stage was already set for this marquee Christmas Day matchup and the two monster teams were going to put on a show for the fans.

The 23-6 Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the 27-5 Golden State Warriors behind a game-winning fadeaway by Kyrie Irving. The four stars in Golden State, namely Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green totaled 91 points of their team's 108. Steph Curry dropped a three with a minute left in the fourth quarter but that lead was not safe as Irving went to work and got his team a win.

The level of talent on the floor at the same time was unbelievable and this was arguably the most intense Christmas Day game of the modern era. Many fans would concur that 2016 had one of the best NBA Christmas jerseys of all time.

#1 2004 - Miami Heat vs LA Lakers

Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers against Shaquille O'Neal of the Miami Heat in 2004

It was one of the most anticipated Christmas Day games in NBA history. Three-time Finals MVP Shaquille O'Neal will return to Los Angeles for the first time since feuding with Kobe Bryant and departing for Miami. Dwyane Wade, arguably the second-best shooting guard in the league at the time, defended and scored for Bryant. Fans were treated to an excellent game all around and this thriller went into overtime, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.

It was also Kobe Bryant's highest-scoring Christmas Day game with 42 points.

The Miami Heat won the game 104-102 after Wade scored 4 points in overtime and Bryant was held scoreless for the extra period.