As the NBA prepares for its annual Christmas Day slate, players and coaches reflect on the unique blend of honor and hardship that comes with performing on the holiday, sharing personal tales that highlight both cherished memories and significant sacrifices.
The tradition of NBA games on Christmas is a storied one, placing 10 teams in the spotlight each year. For those involved, it’s a double-edged sword: an acknowledgment of their marketability and a chance to be part of a beloved sporting ritual, yet it often means rearranging or missing family celebrations. This tension is palpable in the stories recounted by figures across the league.
Doc Rivers, who has played or coached in 17 Christmas games, encapsulates the “love-hate” nature of the experience. He values the thrill of winning on such a prominent stage but acknowledges the difficulty of balancing game commitments with family time. Rivers recalls specific moments, like motivational tactics with the Celtics, but also notes the drudgery of late-day games that disrupt holiday festivities.
Steve Kerr’s Christmas memory is less fond, centered on a critical error in 1994 that still haunts him. As a Bull, he mistakenly tapped an inbounds pass to a Knicks player, leading to a tying three-pointer. Though saved by Scottie Pippen’s heroics, Kerr labels it one of his career’s biggest nightmares, a play re-aired annually that serves as a cautionary tale about holiday pressure.
For LeBron James and his son Bronny, Christmas games are a family affair intertwined with legacy. LeBron has played a record 19 times on December 25, meaning the James clan has often adjusted their celebrations around his schedule. Bronny, now a teammate, understands this dynamic firsthand, recalling childhood waits for his father and anticipating future challenges when he might be the one away on Christmas.
Stephen Curry approaches the holiday with a mix of gratitude and frustration. He recognizes the blessing of being selected for Christmas games, which signify team relevance, but has historically struggled with his shot on the day, missing a high percentage of attempts early in his career. Despite this, he appreciates the unique energy and tradition, viewing it as a key moment in the NBA calendar.
Draymond Green and Josh Hart offer contrasting perspectives on the logistics. Green, who once enjoyed a Christmas at home during a suspension, admits that playing on the holiday “sucks” from a personal standpoint, though he values the stage. Hart, meanwhile, prefers early tip-offs that allow for post-game family time, citing a late game in Denver as particularly miserable due to travel delays.
Donovan Mitchell embodies the excitement many players feel, eagerly anticipating his return to Christmas action after four years. He plans to celebrate with family after his early game at Madison Square Garden, viewing the opportunity as a dream come true and a testament to team success.
As the NBA continues to feature Christmas games, with the NFL now also competing for holiday attention, players’ stories underscore a complex reality: the honor of performing on a national stage comes with personal costs, but for many, it remains a cherished part of their professional journey.
