LeBron James vs. Steph Curry on Christmas Day is always a matchup that promises excitement, and the 2024 edition might just have been the most thrilling yet. The Los Angeles Lakers edged out a 115-113 victory, with Austin Reaves securing the win by hitting a game-winning layup with just one second left on the clock. This came after Steph Curry tied the game at 113, sinking his eighth 3-pointer of the night to keep the Golden State Warriors alive.
The buzz surrounding the “product” of the NBA has been growing lately. Personally, I believe there’s nothing more thrilling than watching the two best players of this generation battle it out on Christmas night. LeBron finished with an impressive 31 points and 10 assists, while Curry poured in 38 points, delivering another unforgettable performance.
Following the game, LeBron made sure to send a message to the NFL — which has been airing Christmas Day games since 2020 — about which sport truly owns the holiday.
“I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day,” James declared during his on-court interview.
LeBron James: I love the NFL. I love the NFL. But Christmas is our day. pic.twitter.com/yoKP0TSmHL
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 26, 2024
The NBA Shines on Christmas Day
The Lakers-Warriors showdown was the fourth NBA game of the day, and it certainly lived up to expectations. Each of the games leading up to it was closely contested, full of excitement, and highlighted by stellar performances from the league’s biggest stars. This is exactly what NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, along with fans, had envisioned for the league’s marquee holiday event.
While Adam Silver’s tenure as commissioner has seen some missteps, Christmas Day games in the NBA have consistently been a major highlight. As long as the format remains the same — with five high-profile matchups spread throughout the day — the NBA’s Christmas showcase will remain one of the most anticipated events on the sports calendar, offering something for both die-hard basketball fans and casual viewers alike.
