It’s that time of year again! Every Christmas, while most sports leagues take a pause, the NBA presents a gift for basketball enthusiasts—a thrilling showcase of long-standing rivalries and marquee matchups. This tradition, dating back to the NBA’s second season, has become a cornerstone of excitement on the basketball calendar. It all started in 1947 when the New York Knicks triumphed over the Providence Steamrollers at Madison Square Garden, marking the inaugural Christmas Day game. Since then, the NBA has scheduled games on December 25 in every non-lockout season.

Naturally, the games feature the NBA’s biggest brands and superstars, setting the stage for some unforgettable moments. Therefore, it is no surprise that the list of leading scorers in holiday games is brimming with some of basketball’s most iconic figures.

LeBron James is the all-time leader in points on Christmas Day

LeBron James currently holds the record for the most total points scored with 460 points on Christmas Day, followed by Kobe Bryant‘s 395 points. The Lakers forward surpassed Kobe in 2021 after he scored his 13th point in a marquee matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on the holiday. This is the same game that saw a 39-point performance from him, his highest Christmas Day performance yet. Not only is he an all-time leader in total points scored, but he is also atop in the number of games played on December 25 with 17 games under his belt and in total assists with 119 assists.

Aside from those stats, he also holds second place in total rebounds (130), most three-pointers made on Christmas Day (28), and steals (26). However, he is tied with Dwyane Wade for the most Christmas victories. which is 10. A record he’ll be looking to break during this year’s Christmas Day game against the Boston Celtics. Across 17 Christmas Day matchups, James boasts an average of 27.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on 49.5 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from downtown.

Trending

“I Can Be Replaced”: Shaq Drops Cryptic Note Online As Absence From TNT Live Show Confuses America

May 20, 2024 01:32 AM EDT

Shaquille O’Neal, Tempted by Elon Musk’s Tesla Creation, Offers $159,999 Worth Trade to 30YO Comedian

May 19, 2024 06:38 AM EDT

“Jordan Slipping Him Cash”: Fans Join In as Magic Johnson Slams Stephen A. Smith for Leaving Isiah Thomas Out of His List

May 18, 2024 03:30 PM EDT

Exclusive: Shaquille O’Neal Breaks Silence on Nikola Jokic Controversy After Ex-Agent’s Big Claim

May 18, 2024 09:16 PM EDT

Angel Reese Rejuvenates Allen Iverson’s Legacy Through Ties With $2.5 Billion Worth Brand

May 18, 2024 03:28 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Among the active players listed, Kevin Durant holds the fifth spot with 299 points, closely followed by James Harden in sixth place, tallying 273 points. Russell Westbrook isn’t far behind, securing the eighth position with 271 points.

Luka Doncic vs Devin Booker: Exploring Into the History of One of NBA’s Most Heated Beef Ahead of Christmas Day Showdown

Michael Jordan, on the other hand, has only featured in six Christmas games throughout his 15-season-long career. Through these six games, he averaged 28.3 points per game. His best performance came during the Chicago Bulls’ victory against the New York Knicks in 1992, which saw Jordan post his Christmas Day-high 42 points, three points more than LeBron’s highest.

However, the most points scored in a single game on December 25 is an altogether different story. Care to take a guess, or shall we unravel this record together?

Who holds the record for most points in a single game on Christmas?

On NBA Christmas Day 1984, Bernard King scored 60 points during the team’s loss against the New Jersey Nets, which still stands as the highest point scored in a single game on Christmas. A close second is then rookie Wilt Chamberlain’s 59 points, scored in a losing effort against the New York Knicks. The only active player to make it to this elite list is Kevin Durant, who mustered up 44 points in 2010 during the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 114-106 win against the Denver Nuggets.

Watch this story:  “Luka Doncic joins LeBron James, Michael Jordan and other NBA legends in historic list after another 50-point performance”

The 2023–24 season once again brings the same thrill to the table. Five marquee games are lined up for December 25. The slate includes Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks at Phoenix Suns. Which one are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!