NBA Christmas games have become a highlight of the holiday, featuring prominent players and memorable moments that blend basketball with family traditions. This year’s Christmas Day will showcase compelling narratives from stars like Bronny James, Stephen Curry, and others who reflect on playing on this special occasion.
The James Family Christmas Tradition
Bronny James, who has never known a Christmas without his father LeBron playing, shares how the family balances holiday celebrations with the NBA schedule. Bronny noted, “We always go home to our house and open presents in the morning. If he’s not there, then we wait or do it the day before.” LeBron, having played a record 19 Christmas games, acknowledges the bittersweet nature of playing during a time meant for family, stating, “I would like to be home on the couch with my family all throughout the day, but my number is called.” Despite the challenge, the James family adapts and cherishes moments when everyone can gather. Bronny also anticipates a future when roles might reverse, saying, “Time is about to come where I might be the one away and these guys are going to be home [without me].”
Coaches and Players on Christmas Day Experiences
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr recalled a painful Christmas memory from 1994 when a critical mistake allowed the Knicks to force overtime against his Bulls team. Kerr’s move to pass the ball mistakenly was followed by a game-saving performance from Scottie Pippen, but the error remains a vivid Christmas nightmare for him decades later. Kerr also described the surreal feeling of playing on Christmas away from family, explaining, “You wake up in Room 736 and you forget that it’s Christmas.”
Draymond Green shared a contrasting Christmas experience when suspended in 2023; instead of being on the road, he spent the day at home with his children, calling it “actually f—ing amazing.” Nevertheless, Green admitted the conflict many players feel, adding, “As an NBA player, you want to be on that stage, but as a human, it f—ing sucks.”
Stephen Curry’s Christmas Challenge and Warriors Tradition
Stephen Curry reflects on his long-standing involvement with Christmas games, playing in 10 of the Warriors’ last 13 holiday matches. Though regarded as one of the sport’s biggest stages, Curry admitted his early performances on Christmas were not impressive, shooting just 30.2% over his first eight games. Yet, he sees the opportunity as a “blessing” because it signifies marketability and brings a different energy to the season.
Other Players’ Holiday Reflections
Josh Hart enjoys early tipoff games on Christmas, which allow him to celebrate with family right after playing. Hart fondly recalls a Lakers victory on Christmas Day featuring Rajon Rondo stepping up after LeBron’s injury. Conversely, Hart described a late game in Denver as “the worst game,” due to the long wait and late-night travel after Christmas, wishing instead for a private jet to fly home.
Donovan Mitchell looks forward to playing at Madison Square Garden on Christmas and appreciates the honor, saying, “I love playing on Christmas. It means you are doing something right as a team.” Playing at the Garden, near his hometown, makes the experience especially meaningful for him.
Balancing Tradition and Competition
Veteran coach Doc Rivers summarized the dual nature of Christmas games: “I love it and hate it at the same time because having time with your family, it’s so important. But also, there’s nothing better. It’s the most favorite game to win.” The NBA supports players by offering gifts to help ease holiday stress and often invites family members on road trips, as seen with the Warriors. Players and coaches alike agree that playing on Christmas is both a privilege and a personal sacrifice.
The NBA’s Christmas Day matchups continue to produce memorable stories on and off the court. As the league’s marquee holiday tradition unfolds, players and coaches manage the delicate balance between embracing the sport’s spotlight and maintaining cherished family connections.
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