LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to victory over the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day, reasserting the day’s traditional place as basketball's prime holiday. The thriller, which ended 115-113, showcased the age-old rivalry between two superstars: James and Stephen Curry.
After the game, James unequivocally declared, "I love the NFL, I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day," solidifying the shared sentiment among basketball fans who regard December 25 as synonymous with the NBA. His remarks came just after the Lakers clinched the win on a heart-stopping finish as Austin Reaves scored the winning layup with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock.
Curry, known for his sharpshooting, had brought the Warriors back to life by hitting two consecutive three-pointers within the last 13 seconds of regulation, completing the tie at 113. The Warriors star, who led all scorers with 38 points, demonstrated his prowess as he hit eight three-pointers during the game. Yet, it was James, stepping up without the injured Anthony Davis, who ignited the Lakers with 31 points and 10 assists.
The excitement of this game was not unique to just these two players. It was the culmination of high-stakes competition evident across the NBA on Christmas Day. Previously, the New York Knicks edged the San Antonio Spurs with Victor Wembanyama scoring 42 points, echoing the day’s vibrant atmosphere where basketball shone brightly.
While the NBA sought to captivate audiences with its slate of games filled with star power, the NFL also made strides to stake its claim on Christmas Day. Two significant NFL matchups were broadcasted on Netflix for the first time ever, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens thoroughly overcoming the Houston Texans. Both football games, regrettably for their fans, turned out to be blowouts, contrasting sharply with the nail-biting finishes seen on the hardwood.
Despite the NFL's best efforts to emerge as the sport of choice on Christmas, LeBron and his peers—players like Curry and Reaves—reminded audiences of basketball's storied history on this holiday. James reminisced on the significance of their presence and their performances, saying, "Today is the day of giving, and that's what me and Steph continue to do and try to do for our fans, for our beautiful game."
James also found personal success beyond the game score; this match marked his record 19th Christmas Day game, surpassing his former teammate Dwyane Wade for the most wins on this significant holiday. Curry, who also hit his 11th start on Christmas, expressed his appreciation for these moments, acknowledging the weight of shared history and rivalry on this special day.
The NBA’s Christmas tradition, characterized by high-octane games often involving marquee players, was on full display this year, as seen with the back-and-forth battles against the backdrop of the holiday spirit. Both leagues faced challenges over which sport might dominate the day, but it was clear which celebrated its heritage more vibrantly this season.
James and Curry’s clash, paired with the NBA's array of entertaining matchups, triumphantly reinforced the league’s enduring legacy on Christmas Day, leaving the football world to ponder its position on this iconic date. The stark difference between the competitive thrill of basketball and the unyielding scoreboard of football games served as the perfect backdrop for James' declaration: Christmas belongs to the NBA.
