When was the first NBA game played on Christmas Day?
The first NBA game played on December 25 took place in 1947. The New York Knicks defeated the Providence Steamrollers by a score of 89 to 75 at Madison Square Garden.
Questions about NBA Christmas games
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Which team has appeared in the most NBA Christmas games?
The New York Knicks have appeared in more Christmas games than any other team, totaling 58 appearances. Their record stands at 26 wins and 32 losses on the holiday.
Who holds the record for the highest individual scoring performance on an NBA Christmas game?
Bernard King scored 60 points for the Knicks in 1984, which remains the highest individual scoring performance ever recorded on Christmas Day. This event occurred during a memorable contest against the Boston Celtics.
What year did the first NBA game outside the United States take place?
The first game outside the United States happened in 2019 when the Boston Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 118 to 102 at Scotiabank Arena in Canada. This matchup marked a significant expansion of the league's holiday schedule.
When did Phil Jackson win his 1,000th career coaching game?
Phil Jackson won his 1,000th career game on the 25th of December 2008, becoming the fastest coach to reach that milestone. He achieved this victory while coaching the Los Angeles Lakers.