Scoreboard
Bucks 130, Knicks 111
Celtics 145, Clippers 108
Rockets 106, Pelicans 104
Magic 117, Pacers 110
Nuggets 102, Hornets 95
Jazz 126, Raptors 119
Nets 126, Pistons 115
Grizzlies 125, Hawks 119
Lakers 129, Thunder 120
Cavaliers 109, Bulls 95
Warriors 126, Trail Blazers 106
Mavericks 144, Spurs 119
Timberwolves 110, Kings 98
What went down
Christmas came early for the Bucks as they cruised to a 19-point victory against the Knicks ahead of their Christmas Day matchup. Giannis Antetokounmpo tallied 28 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists while Bobby Portis had a double-double of 23 points and 11 boards.
This was the Bucks’ third win against the Knicks this season. The last time they squared off was during the quarterfinals of the In-Season Tournament when the Bucks came away with a dominant 146-122 victory. They’ll be looking to make it four straight this season on Christmas day.
The Bucks won their seventh straight game and improved to 22-7 on the season.
Big-time baller
LeBron James dropped a season-high 40 points on top of seven rebounds and seven assists as he refused to let the Lakers lose a fifth straight game. It was the 75th 40-point game for the King.
James, turning 39 by the end of the month, went 13-for-20 from the field, including 5-of-5 from deep. He was also perfect at the line, making all of his nine attempts.
Three points, two ways.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 24, 2023
Courtesy of @KingJames #VoteLakers: https://t.co/mVlG4tkHX1 pic.twitter.com/WIRtaRPww6
What he said
Would it be totally insane if LeBron gets inducted into the Hall of Fame while he’s still playing?
Why do players have to be retired before going into the HOF?? Coaches get in while still coaching rightfully so. Wondering what’s the difference though🧐
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 23, 2023
Did you see that?
Following their loss to the Nets, the Pistons have lost 26 straight games, tying the league record for most consecutive losses in a single season. They now share the record with the 2010-11 Cavaliers and the 2015-15 76ers.
The worst losing streak of all time sits at 28 games by the 76ers, though that was during two seasons (2013-2015).
Pistons 26th straight loss makes history in a not so good way 😳 pic.twitter.com/WQe9uQdkN9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 24, 2023
Extra Pass
Prepare your leftover Christmas dinner as it’s time for the annual NBA Christmas games. Filipino basketball fans always get an extended holiday celebration because the games are set the day after Christmas.
Five games are scheduled on Tuesday starting with Bucks taking on the Knicks at 1:00 AM, followed by the Warriors and the Nuggets at 3:30 AM. The Celtics and Lakers add another chapter to their storied rivalry in another Christmas game at 6:00 AM. The Sixers battle the Heat at 9:00 AM and the matchup between the Mavericks and the Suns at 11:30 AM wraps up the festivities.
