Most memorable Christmas moments in NBA history

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Most memorable Christmas moments in NBA history originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Holiday hoops are here.

The NBA has been playing on Christmas Day since 1947, and this year will be no different. The league has once again left five star-studded matchups under the tree for basketball fans, including Timberwolves-Mavericks, Sixers-Celtics and Lakers-Warriors.

Before things tip-off on Christmas Day, let’s look back at 10 of the most iconic holiday moments in NBA history.

1961: Wilt Chamberlain’s double-double in double OT

Much like the Abominable Snowmonster of the North, Wilt Chamberlain towered over everyone on Christmas.

The legendary center posted a wild statline on the holiday in 1961, scoring 59 points to go along with 36 rebounds. However, his Philadelphia Warriors ultimately lost to the New York Knicks by a score of 136-135 in double overtime.

1984: A King rises

Bernard King set a Christmas record in 1984 that is still standing 40 years later.

The Hall of Famer posted the best scoring performance in NBA Christmas history, tallying 60 points in the Knicks’ 120-114 loss to the New Jersey Nets.

1986: Patrick Ewing beats Michael Jordan at the buzzer

Patrick Ewing played the role of the Grinch in Michael Jordan’s NBA Christmas debut.

The former college rivals squared off at Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day in 1986, and Ewing got the last laugh with a game-winning putback to give his Knicks an 86-85 win over Jordan’s Chicago Bulls.

1995: Magic best Rockets in NBA Finals rematch

The NBA put the previous season’s Finals teams against one another on Christmas Day for the first time in 1995, pinning the Houston Rockets against the Orlando Magic.

The Magic got a little revenge on the 1994-95 champions, with Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway scoring 22 points apiece to beat Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets 92-90.

2004: Shaq and Kobe reunite on Christmas Day

Shaq was back in the Christmas spotlight in 2004, this time in a highly anticipated showdown against his former running mate in Los Angeles.

O’Neal and the Miami Heat traveled to L.A. for his first game against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers following a blockbuster…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/most-memorable-christmas-moments-nba-184326310.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-12-24 18:43:00

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