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HOOPS — NBA INSIDER: CHRISTMAS EDITION

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​NBA INSIDER

SPECIAL EDITION: NBA CHRISTMAS DAY CLASSICS


Cover Story

Relive the Magic of Christmas Day Games: 1995, 2011, and 2016

Christmas Day in the NBA is a time for unforgettable moments. Let's revisit three iconic games that defined the holiday.


SPECIAL EDITION: NBA CHRISTMAS DAY LEGENDS

Headliners

Kobe's Showtime

Kobe Bryant scores 38 points, leads LA Lakers past Miami Heat 102-87 (2009)


King's Dominance

LeBron James posts 32 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists in Cleveland Cavaliers' 89-81 win over Golden State Warriors (2016)


Harden's Scoring Spree

James Harden drops 53 points, helps Houston Rockets beat San Antonio Spurs 109-114 (2018)


Game Highlights

Kobe Bryant: 38 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists (2009)


LeBron James: 32 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists (2016)


James Harden: 53 points, 7 rebounds, 17 assists (2018)


Quotes

- "Kobe was a one-of-a-kind player." 

— Pau Gasol (2009)


“LeBron's greatness is unmatched." 

— David Griffin, Cavaliers GM (2016)


"Harden's scoring ability is incredible."

— D'Antoni (2018)


1995: Magic's Christmas Miracle

Orlando Magic defeats Houston Rockets 92-90

Penny Hardaway's game-winning shot seals the win, while Shaquille O'Neal dominates with 22 points and 18 rebounds. Hakeem Olajuwon has 30 points, 12 rebounds, and six blocks.


2011: Rose Takes Center Stage

Chicago Bulls edge Los Angeles Lakers 88-87

Derrick Rose makes a go-ahead shot with 4.8 seconds left, and Luol Deng blocks Kobe Bryant's potential game-winner. Rose's clutch play marks the season opener after the 2011 NBA lockout.


2016: Irving's Clutch Shot

Cleveland Cavaliers defeat Golden State Warriors 109-108

Kyrie Irving makes a game-winning turnaround jump shot with 3.4 seconds left, spoiling Kevin Durant's 36-point effort. LeBron James has 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists.


T-MAC SHINES ON CHRISTMAS DAY

Tracy McGrady Drops 46 Points in Thrilling Win Over Pistons


Orlando, FL - Tracy McGrady put on a show on Christmas Day, scoring 46 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 104-99 win over the Detroit Pistons.


McGrady, playing for 44 minutes, shot 14-26 from the field and 0-3 from three, grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 1 assist. His impressive performance was the highlight of the night, as the Magic improved to 18-16 on the season.


GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Tracy McGrady: 46 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist


Grant Hill: 20 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists (Pistons)


Mike Miller: 16 points, 5 rebounds (Magic)


QUOTES

"T-Mac was unstoppable tonight. He's one of the best players in the league." - Doc Rivers, Magic coach


UPCOMING

The Magic will look to keep the momentum going as they head to Indiana to take on the Pacers on December 26.


DEPARTMENTS

NBA News: Catch up on the latest league updates

Player Spotlight: Shoutouts to holiday performers

Throwback Thursday: More classic NBA Christmas Day moments


UPCOMING

Don't miss this season's Christmas Day games! Check out the schedule and get ready for more holiday hoops magic.


Would you like to know more about these games or players?

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