NBA Christmas Games: History & What You Need to Know for 2024

Title: NBA Christmas Day Games – Customer Service Guide Introduction This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the NBA’s tradition of Christmas Day games. Designed for customer service agents, it consolidates historical milestones, 2024 game details, and reference facts to help assist customers with inquiries about matchups, traditions, media coverage, and historical highlights. Main Content Sections 1. Overview & Significance - NBA Christmas Day games have been played annually since 1947, making the league unique among major sports in hosting regular games on December 25 ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Christmas_games?utm_source=openai)). - Since 2008, the league has consistently featured five games each Christmas ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Christmas_games?utm_source=openai)). - Matchups typically include marquee teams, recent NBA Finals participants, and reigning MVPs, curated jointly by NBA and broadcasters ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Christmas_games?utm_source=openai)). 2. Notable Moments & History - In 1984, Bernard King scored a record 60 points on Christmas Day ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/nba-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=openai)). Wilt Chamberlain recorded 59 points and 36 rebounds in 1961 ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/nba-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=openai)). - 1995 featured a Finals rematch where Penny Hardaway hit a game-winner for Orlando against Houston ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/nba-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=openai)). - The iconic Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry headlined 2008, when Phil Jackson earned his 1,000th win, the fastest to reach that mark ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/nba-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=openai)). - In 2016, Kyrie Irving hit a clutch turnaround jumper to help Cleveland beat Golden State; the following year, Klay Thompson’s three-pointer sealed Golden State’s revenge ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/nba-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=openai)). 3. Christmas Day 2024 Slate - The 2024–25 Christmas Day schedule includes five marquee matchups: • San Antonio Spurs @ New York Knicks • Minnesota Timberwolves @ Dallas Mavericks • Philadelphia 76ers @ Boston Celtics • Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors • Denver Nuggets @ Phoenix Suns ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/nba-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=openai)). - These contests feature high-profile rivalries, Finals rematches, and fan-favorite franchises ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/nba-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=openai)). 4. Typical Viewing Experience & Broadcast Notes - Across the years, Christmas Day games have been nationally televised and feature key musical elements; since 2009, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Oh Santa!” have become part of the broadcast programming ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Christmas_games?utm_source=openai)). - Broadcasters and the NBA plan these games to highlight the league’s best teams and players ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Christmas_games?utm_source=openai)). 5. Historical Patterns & Scheduling Insights - Christmas Day matchups are not random; they often pit recent champions or Finals participants for maximum fan interest ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Christmas_games?utm_source=openai)). - Teams like the New York Knicks have appeared most frequently on Christmas; they hold the highest total number of appearances ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Christmas_games?utm_source=openai)). 6. Quick Reference Stats - First-ever game: 1947 – New York Knicks defeated Providence Steamrollers ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NBA_Christmas_games?utm_source=openai)). - Record individual points: Bernard King, 60 (1984); Wilt Chamberlain, 59 + 36 rebounds (1961) ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/nba-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=openai)). - Iconic moments: Penny Hardaway game-winner (1995); Jackson’s 1,000th win (2008); Kyrie Irving’s jumper (2016); Klay Thompson’s three (2017) ([blog.ticketmaster.com](https://blog.ticketmaster.com/nba-on-christmas-day/?utm_source=openai)). Conclusion Christmas Day in the NBA represents more than a holiday tradition—it’s a showcase of elite competition, historic performances, and unforgettable moments. This guide equips customer service agents with knowledge of the tradition’s origins, key milestones, and the headlining games in 2024. Use this resource to confidently assist customers with questions about Christmas Day games, upcoming matchups, and the legacy of these marquee fixtures. --- Agents should refer to the sections above for quick answers or deeper context when customers ask about traditions, star player performances, notable rivalries, or broadcast details.