26.12.2023
Denver Nuggets 120 - 114 Golden State Warriors
In a Christmas Day matchup, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 120-114, led by Jamal Murray's 28 points and Nikola Jokic's perfect 18-of-18 performance from the free-throw line. Jokic also added 26 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists in the win. Despite being without Draymond Green, the Warriors put up a fight with Andrew Wiggins scoring 22 points and Stephen Curry finishing with 18 points. The game featured nine lead changes in the second half, with Denver ultimately taking the lead for good with a left-handed hook shot from Jokic. Both teams will look to continue their momentum in their next games, with the Warriors starting a seven-game homestand and the Nuggets hosting Memphis.
Los Angeles Lakers 115 - 126 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics started strong in a 126-115 Christmas Day victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, with Kristaps Porzingis leading the way with 28 points and 11 rebounds. All five Celtics starters scored at least 18 points, while Anthony Davis had 40 points for the Lakers. Boston led by as many as 18 points and kept Los Angeles at arm's length throughout the game. The Celtics shot 31% from 3-point range, while the Lakers shot 40.6%. LeBron James and Jaylen Brown both suffered injuries in a collision but were able to return to the game. The Celtics will face Detroit next, while the Lakers will host Charlotte.
Miami Heat 119 - 113 Philadelphia 76ers
Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored a career-high 31 points in his first Christmas game, leading the Miami Heat to a 119-113 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra improved to 9-0 on Christmas, the best record in NBA history for head coaches on the holiday. Joel Embiid missed the game for the 76ers due to an ankle sprain, while Tobias Harris led the team with 27 points. The Heat were without Jimmy Butler, Josh Richardson, and Haywood Highsmith, but still managed to secure the win. Miami held a 56-36 edge on the boards and Jaquez became only the seventh rookie in NBA history to score more than 30 points on Christmas.
Phoenix Suns 114 - 128 Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic scored 50 points to surpass 10,000 for his career and led the Dallas Mavericks to a 128-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Despite being double-teamed throughout the game, Doncic also dished out 15 assists. The Suns struggled offensively, with Devin Booker and Kevin Durant limited by the Mavericks defense. Grayson Allen and Chimezie Metu provided a spark off the bench for Phoenix, but it wasn't enough as Dallas pulled away in the fourth quarter. With the win, Dallas extends their winning streak to nine games and Doncic reaches his milestone in just 358 career games, seventh fastest in NBA history.
New York Knicks 129 - 122 Milwaukee Bucks
In a thrilling Christmas Day matchup, the New York Knicks ended the Milwaukee Bucks' seven-game winning streak with a 129-122 victory. Jalen Brunson led the way with 38 points, helping the Knicks snap their nine-game losing streak against the Bucks. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard each scored 32 points for the Bucks, but it wasn't enough to overcome the inspired performance by the Knicks. The victory was a statement win for New York on a national stage, showcasing their potential as a team to watch in the Eastern Conference.