LeBron James added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career by becoming the NBA's all-time leader in Christmas Day victories. In his 19th holiday appearance, James clinched his 11th win as the Los Angeles Lakers edged out the Golden State Warriors with a thrilling 115-113 victory. When asked what makes the league stand out in today's competitive sports world, James, flashing his iconic smile, gave a succinct yet powerful response: "LeBron and Steph [Curry]."
This statement encapsulates the enduring magic of two of basketball's greatest stars. Nearly a decade since their first of four consecutive NBA Finals battles, LeBron James and Stephen Curry showed that their brilliance remains undiminished. The duo put on a show that left fans in awe, mere days before James' milestone 40th birthday.
James delivered an all-around masterclass, scoring 31 points on an efficient 12-for-22 shooting. He also dished out 10 assists with just a single turnover, proving once again why he’s a generational talent. Meanwhile, Curry responded with a performance for the ages, pouring in 38 points, including a jaw-dropping 17 in the fourth quarter. His game-tying 31-foot three-pointer with just 7.6 seconds left added to the drama and showcased his unparalleled shooting prowess.
The Lakers’ victory wasn’t without its challenges. Early in the game, Anthony Davis suffered a left ankle sprain just minutes into the first quarter. The injury occurred when Davis’ sneaker got caught on the court during a defensive possession, causing him to fall and grab his left leg in pain. Davis exited and didn’t return, but he later reassured fans, telling ESPN, "I'll be OK. I'm playing against Sac on Saturday." Despite his absence, Davis’ determination to walk unaided after the game was a testament to his resilience.
Even with Davis sidelined, the Lakers-Warriors clash lived up to its billing as one of the marquee games of the Christmas slate. The electrifying matchup capped a day filled with standout performances across the league. Highlights included:
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Mikal Bridges dropping 41 points to lead the New York Knicks past the San Antonio Spurs. Despite a monster 42-point, 18-rebound effort from the Spurs' young phenom Victor Wembanyama, Bridges and the Knicks prevailed.
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Anthony Edwards shining as the 23-year-old superstar led the Minnesota Timberwolves to fend off a furious comeback attempt by the Dallas Mavericks.
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The Philadelphia 76ers delivering an upset win over the defending champion Boston Celtics. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid combined for a sensational 60 points, cementing their status as one of the league’s most dynamic duos.
After the Lakers-Warriors game, James made a pointed declaration during an on-court interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters. "I love the NFL," James said, "But Christmas is our day." His words emphasized the NBA’s tradition of making Christmas Day a showcase of its biggest stars and most thrilling matchups.
This year, the NFL also staged two Christmas games: the Kansas City Chiefs dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers 29-10, and the Baltimore Ravens dismantled the Houston Texans 31-2. However, the NFL’s rare Wednesday games couldn't eclipse the NBA's festive allure. Curry, when informed of James’ comments, couldn’t help but agree. “That’s a good answer,” he said. “Basketball, I’ve been watching it since I woke up this morning. All five games. I’m probably going to watch the second half of the Phoenix-Nuggets game, and I know our game stood out. You feel privileged to be in those types of situations, for sure.”
Reflecting on yet another memorable Christmas showdown with James, Curry sounded nostalgic. “It’s always a blast,” Curry said. “The competitive spirit, the history, his greatness – it allows me to just appreciate all that we’ve been through, all the battles back and forth. And the fact that in 2024 we’re still doing it? Somehow the games are pretty electric, kind of a must-see TV situation. I love it.”
The mutual respect between the two legends was palpable, with Curry adding, “You don’t know how many opportunities you’ll get to do it on this type of stage. So you kind of relish it. That’s why it sucked so much to lose because these are moments that matter a little bit more.”
For fans, the Lakers-Warriors clash and the broader Christmas Day lineup served as a reminder of why basketball holds such a special place in the hearts of millions. It’s not just about the games; it’s about the stories, the rivalries, and the unforgettable moments that make the NBA’s Christmas tradition a spectacle unlike any other. And with stars like James and Curry still at the top of their game, the league’s future looks just as bright as its storied past.
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