NBA: A CHRISTMAS EDITION
December 23, 2008 by R.C. Cola
It’s become as synonymous with Christmas as Santa Claus, gifts, hanging stockings and dysfunctional family dinners. From the latest in the Shaq-Kobe feud, to this year’s highly anticipated rematch of last year’s NBA Finals showdown, the NBA is to Christmas as the NFL is to Thanksgiving.
Christmas traditionally marks the beginning of NBA games televised on national network television. It’s the case for ABC, as it was for NBC years before the NBA made the switch. This year, there are enough games to fill even the most rabid b-ball junkie. There are five games, including two on NBC, two on TNT and one on ESPN. It’s typically a time when the Association puts its best foot forward.
The centerpiece of the day, of course, is the showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. Kobe Bryant and his squad - now with center Andrew Bynum, are looking for revenge against the champion Celtics, and Finals MVP Paul Pierce. It is easily the most eagerly awaited match-up this season, and the most hyped-up Christmas game since the first time Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal faced off in 2004.
There are a ton of great Christmas games, but here are some of the best match-ups, either from the quality of the game, or the hype behind it.
1. Heat vs. Lakers, 2004
The first major primetime stage for the Kobe-led Lakers and Shaq-led Heat. This was likely the most eagerly awaited game of the season, and one of the most memorable of the Christmas match-ups. The game lived up to the hype, with Kobe and Shaq going at each other at the Heat narrowly edging out the Lakers in overtime. The Heat won, 104-102.
2. Bulls vs. Celtics, 1991
This really could have taken the top spot. After all, we’re talking Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish sharing the same court. This might have been higher if not for the intense hype of the Shaq-Kobe feud, and the fact that Jordan and his younger Bulls blew out the Celtics, including suffocating Bird and holding him to single-digit scoring. More importantly, it marked the hand-off of dynasties from Boston to Chicago. The Bulls won, 121-99.
3. Bulls vs. Knicks, 1992
Another Jordan classic. This featured his best Christmas Day game, with a 42-point output against the New York Knicks and Patrick Ewing. Jordan would long be the wall that the Knicks hit on their road to the NBA Finals. The Bulls won, 89-77.
4. Bulls vs. Heat, 1998
A classic only because it marked the last Christmas game that Jordan played as a Bull. The less we remember about his stint in Washington, the better. Jordan scores 24 on the Miami Heat. The Bulls won, 90-80.
5. Trailblazers vs. Lakers, 1983
One of the highest scoring Christmas game, the Portland Trailblazers opened up a can of you-know-what on the Lakers. That’s partly because Magic Johnson dislocated his finger earlier in the month, and couldn’t play. Still, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and Byron Scott, you’d think they would put up a better fight. The Trailblazers won, 141-121.
6. Magic vs. Rockets, 1995
The game was a rematch of the prior season NBA Finals. The game didn’t disappoint, including a tight victory by the Magic and a strong showing by the Diesel, cementing many’s belief that the Magic were the team to beat. Of course, they fell to the Rockets, as Hakeem Olajuwon would not be denied for a second-straight championship. The Magic won, 92-90.
7. Lakers vs. Celtics, 1970
The game definitely lacks the drama of this year’s match-up. But it did feature some of the best old-school players ever. For the Lakers, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West and Gail Goodrich headlined the team, with Elgin Baylor playing only two games. Dave Cowens, John Havlicek and Don Nelson led the Celtics. The game lost a bit of its luster with the great Bill Rusell retiring the season before. The Lakers faced a Celtics team at the tail-end of its dynasty. It’s a not surprised the Lakers prevailed. The Lakers won, 123-113.
8.76ers vs Bullets, 1967
The Christmas game was indicative of the strength of the 76ers squad, which ended that season with the top record, and smashed the Celtics to break their streak of championships. It’s considered one of the best teams ever. The squad edged out the Baltimore Bullets during the Christmas Day match up. The 76ers won, 108-105.
9. Nationals vs. Knicks, 1960
Talk about your horrible Christmas gifts. The Syracuse Nationals handed the Knicks the worst beating in franchise history as the team hit rock bottom. It almost makes the current incarnation look good. Almost. The Nationals won, 162-100.
10. Pacers vs. Piston, 2004
Overlooked a bit by another massive match-up that year, this game marked the first time the two teams played since the infamous Nov. 19 game, when Ron Artest sparked a surreal brawl between the teams that spilled out on the audience. The Piston won, 98-93.
Did I miss any games? Most likely. Let us know what games you think should make this list at info@ballordie.com
NBA: A CHRISTMAS EDITION…
It’s become as synonymous with Christmas as Santa Claus, gifts, hanging stockings and dysfunctional family dinners. From the latest in the Shaq-Kobe feud, to this year ’s highly anticipated rematch of last year’s NBA Finals showdown, the NBA is to Chri…