Classics Endure! A Review of Those Unforgettable NBA Christmas Day Games Over the Years

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Classics Endure! A Review of Those Unforgettable NBA Christmas Day Games Over the Years image

As the Denver Nuggets outlasted the Minnesota Timberwolves 142–138 in a breathtaking overtime battle, the 2025 NBA Christmas Day games came to a dramatic close.

In what proved to be an instant classic between two top contenders, both teams displayed elite-level basketball in a back-and-forth contest that will be remembered for years to come. Anthony Edwards’ clutch three-pointer to force overtime, Nikola Jokić’s historic triple-double, and the Nuggets’ stunning comeback from nine points down in the extra period left fans in awe.

Throughout NBA history, Christmas Day has often delivered similarly intense and unforgettable showdowns:

Top 1: 2016 – Cleveland Cavaliers 109, Golden State Warriors 108

Just months after the Cavaliers stunned the 73-win Warriors in the 2016 Finals, the two teams met again on Christmas—this time with Kevin Durant now in Golden State’s star-studded lineup. The Warriors entered the fourth quarter with a 14-point lead, but Cleveland mounted a relentless comeback. Kyrie Irving, who had hit the championship-winning three-pointer in Game 7, rose to the occasion once more, scoring 14 of his 25 points in the final period and drilling the game-winning shot with 3.4 seconds left. LeBron James led the Cavaliers with 31 points, overshadowing Durant’s 36-point debut with the Warriors on Christmas Day.

Top 2: 2004 – Miami Heat 104, Los Angeles Lakers 102 (OT)

After winning three championships together over eight seasons in Los Angeles, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant faced off as opponents for the first time on Christmas following Shaq’s trade to Miami. The highly anticipated duel lived up to the hype, with the Heat escaping in overtime by two points. Bryant finished with a game-high 42 points in a losing effort, while O’Neal recorded 24 points and 11 rebounds for Miami. Dwyane Wade added 29 points and 10 assists in the victory.

Top 3: 2024 – Los Angeles Lakers 115, Golden State Warriors 113

Last year’s Christmas showdown between the Lakers and Warriors also delivered a memorable finish. The Lakers maintained a double-digit lead for much of the fourth quarter and were still up nine with under two minutes to play. But the Warriors stormed back with a 7–0 run, capped by two incredible three-pointers from Stephen Curry to tie the game at 113–113 with seconds remaining. With 6.3 seconds left, Lakers role player Austin Reaves drove for the game-winning layup to seal the 115–113 victory. LeBron James led the Lakers with 31 points and 10 assists, while Reaves delivered a surprise triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Curry finished with a game-high 38 points in defeat.

From iconic game-winners to historic individual performances, the NBA’s Christmas tradition continues to add unforgettable chapters to basketball lore, with the 2025 Nuggets, Timberwoves epic now standing among them.

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