Skip to main content

HOOPS — NBA INSIDER: CHRISTMAS EDITION

By

​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?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HOOPS #7 - NBA LATEST NEWS

By
HOOPS - NBA Insider Magazine Headline: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tyrese Maxey and Giannis Antetokounmpo The Top Scorers of the NBA. Top Scorers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 33 points per game Tyrese Maxey Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 33.2 points per game Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 33.4 points per game Tonight's Games Bucks @ Rockets 10:30 PM SAST - NOV. 9, Fiserv Forum Celtics @ Magic 01:00 AM SAST - NOV. 10, KIA Center Thunder @ Grizzlies 01:00 AM SAST - NOV. 10, Paycom Center Other News Jokić's Triple-Double Nikola Jokić posted his 6th triple-double in 9 games as the Denver Nuggets beat the Indiana Pacers. Giddey's Historic Performance Josh Giddey is the first Bulls player to record a back to back triple-double, something not seen since Michael Jordan almost 40 years ago. Kawhi's Injury Update Kawhi Leonard will miss the 'next few games' with a sprained ankle. Stay Tuned For more NBA news, analysis, and exclusi...
Post a Comment
Read more

TOP 5 NBA PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS COMING SEASON. (2025-26)

By
TOP 5 NBA PLAYERS TO WATCH THIS 2025-26 SEASON. The NBA season is back, and the excitement is intense. As we count down the top 5 players to watch this season, one thing is clear: these superstars are ready to power through the league. 1. Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets) The 3x MVP is a force to be counted on. Jokić's exceptional passing, scoring, and rebounding abilities make him nearly unstoppable on the court. His ability to average 29/12/10 days a lot about him. Can he lead the Nuggets to another top tier record? 2. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder) Coming off an MVP and a championship season, SGA is self assured to lead the Thunder to another strong showing. With his evolution as a scorer, playmaker, and leader shows that he's a dark horse for MVP. 3. Luka Dončić (Los Angeles Lakers) With LeBron James out early in the season, Luka Doncic will be the head and shoulders and he’ll have to the scoring load for the Lakers as well. Can he carry the team to victory? Be...
Post a Comment
Read more

HOOPS — NBA Insider

By
​ NBA Insider Headline Lakers and Thunder Shine in NBA Action Game Highlights Lakers Edge Mavericks 129-119, with Luka Doncic scoring 35 points, 5 rebounds, and 11 assists Thunder Stuns Suns 123-119, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 37 points, 3 rebounds, and 8 assists Hornets Top Raptors 118-111, with Miles Bridges scoring a season-high 35 points Timberwolves Outlast Celtics 119-115 Injury Report LeBron James Questionable for Sunday's game against Pelicans due to left foot injury management Anthony Davis Out 7-10 days with left calf strain Draymond Green Out with right foot sprain Isaiah Hartenstein Diagnosed with a right soleus strain, expected to be reevaluated in 10-14 days Trae Young Out at least two more weeks with sprained MCL NBA Cup Updates Atlanta Hawks Advance to Knockout Round after finishing 3-1 in group play Orlando Magic Lead league in point differential (+60) and are 3-0 in NBA Cup group play Oklahoma City Thunder Advance to Knockout Round with 4-0 record in Wes...
Post a Comment
Read more