LOS ANGELES — There is no stage quite like NBA Christmas, and the 2025 slate did not disappoint. In a day filled with buzzer-beaters and statement wins, the centerpiece of the holiday was a vintage showdown at Crypto.com Arena that proved the league’s elder statesmen still hold the keys to the kingdom.
The King vs. The Chef: A Festive Finale
In what many are calling the game of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers (18-12) edged out the Golden State Warriors (17-13) in a 118-115 nail-biter.
LeBron James, playing in his record-breaking 19th Christmas Day game, put up a triple-double (28 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST), but it was Anthony Davis who sealed the game with a monstrous block on Stephen Curry’s potential game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds. Curry finished with 34 points, including eight triples, keeping the Warriors in the hunt until the very last buzzer.
The Christmas Stars: Winners and Losers
The marathon started in New York, where the Knicks continued their post-NBA Cup glow by dismantling the Philadelphia 76ers. Jalen Brunson once again heard “MVP” chants throughout the Garden, scoring 32 points and proving that the Knicks are officially the kings of the East this December.
Other key results from the Christmas slate:
- Celtics vs. Bucks: Jayson Tatum outdueled Giannis Antetokounmpo in a physical defensive battle, with Boston taking a 102-98 victory.
- Suns vs. Mavericks: Luka Doncic dropped a staggering 45 points in a losing effort as Kevin Durant’s 38-point masterclass led Phoenix to a statement road win.
The “Grinch” of the Day
Not everyone had a merry Christmas. The Phoenix Suns managed to ruin the holiday for the Dallas faithful, but the real “Grinch” award goes to the Miami Heat’s stagnant offense, which struggled in a low-scoring loss to the Orlando Magic. Orlando’s young core, led by Paolo Banchero, showed that they are ready for the national spotlight, while Miami looks like a team in desperate need of a trade-deadline spark.
What’s Next?
As the Christmas trees come down, the playoff race heats up. The victory for the Lakers moves them into a tie for the 4th seed in the West, while the Knicks’ win puts them solo at the top of the East. With the calendar turning to 2026, the “silly season” of trade rumors is officially upon us.
Stat of the Day: LeBron James now holds the record for most Christmas Day wins (11), passing Dwyane Wade. At 41 years old, the King continues to redefine longevity on the league’s biggest holiday stage.
