Imagine witnessing a performance so legendary, so utterly dominant, that it etches itself into the very fabric of basketball history. That's precisely what Nikola Jokić delivered on Christmas Day, but that's just where the holiday hoops magic began! Buckle up, because we're diving into a Christmas Day of unforgettable moments, stunning upsets, and record-breaking performances that will have you talking for days. But here's where it gets controversial... Did Jokić just cement his legacy as the greatest passing big man of all time? Let’s dive in!
A Classic Christmas: Jokić & Ant duel in OT, Knicks come back, Spurs drop OKC (again)
Nikola Jokić: 56 points, 16 rebounds, 15 assists. Think about that for a second. A stat line so incredible, it had never been achieved before. This wasn't just a great game; it was a Christmas classic that will be replayed and talked about for generations to come.
5 STORIES IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀
Dec. 26, 2025
- Merry Masterpiece: Jokić caps a historic OT thriller with a timeless takeover. Was this the greatest Christmas Day performance EVER?
- New Spurs Statement: San Antonio beats OKC for the third time in two weeks, handing the defending champs their first home loss. Are the Spurs officially contenders?
- True Believers: Heart, hustle, and more holiday magic sparks Knicks rally at MSG. Can the Knicks keep this momentum going?
- Christmas In Cali: Warriors overcome Flagg’s big day, Rockets outpace Lakers in L.A. Is this the start of a new era in California basketball?
- Tonight On Prime: Maxey & Giddey go toe-to-toe, Kawhi & Clips streak into Portland. Which of these Prime matchups are you most excited for?
BUT FIRST … ⏰
An epic Christmas and more hoops to unbox tonight… Nine games tip off on Friday, highlighted by a Prime doubleheader as the Bulls host the Sixers (7:30 ET (https://www.nba.com/game/phi-vs-chi-0022500427?lid=nur16exoqp2a) | Tap to Watch (https://www.nba.com/how-to-watch-game-redirect/0022500427?lid=z38eppdbratw) ), before the Clippers visit the Blazers (10 ET (https://www.nba.com/game/lac-vs-por-0022500431?lid=4u4ugp74cor4) | Tap to Watch (https://www.nba.com/how-to-watch-game-redirect/0022500431?lid=d9qw465bmgd2) ). For those new to basketball, a doubleheader simply means two games are broadcast back-to-back on the same network, giving you a full night of hoops action!
Name Your All-Stars: Fans can vote for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game starters every day through Jan. 14 using their NBA ID. Make it count, vote now (https://smart.link/lnuag1ugvlimu?lid=voo7iedoa4ix) . Remember, your vote helps decide who starts in the All-Star Game, so make sure your voice is heard!
1. JOKIĆ MAKES HISTORY IN INSTANT CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Christmas Day kicked off with an incredible 17-point 4th-quarter comeback at MSG. Fast forward twelve hours, and the Timberwolves found themselves staring down a 15-point deficit in Denver with just 5:45 left on the clock. What followed was nothing short of basketball magic. A game that simply refused to end, featuring superstars who refused to give up. This was holiday hoops at its absolute finest. And this is the part most people miss... It wasn't just about individual brilliance, but the unwavering determination of both teams to fight until the very last second.
The night culminated in an all-time Christmas classic – punctuated by an all-time performance (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004448562327765394?s=20&lid=j9d8vv4vpn8o) .
Nuggets 142, Wolves 138 (OT): Minnesota mounted a furious comeback with a 16-2 run late in the 4th, but still trailed by 3 with just four seconds remaining. With one last gasp, the Wolves turned to Anthony Edwards, who received the inbound pass, spun, rose, and drained a fadeaway 3-pointer with 1.1 seconds left to force overtime (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004434599221293541?s=20&lid=29bpn2461iuu) . For those unfamiliar, a fadeaway is a tough shot where the player leans back while shooting, creating space from the defender.
Bart Young + Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Ant didn’t stop there, igniting a 9-0 run to open overtime, capped by another 3-pointer to reach 40 points on the night. But then Nikola Jokić ascended to another level. Already boasting a 38-point triple-double, the Joker entered a new dimension in the extra frame, pouring in 18 points to will Denver back and outduel Edwards (44 pts, 6 reb, 5 3s) in a record-setting Christmas thriller (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004452117029752892?lid=xrnufsyv5dv1) . | Recap (https://www.nba.com/game/min-vs-den-0022500013?period=OT1&latest=0&lid=c4uqzd7xdvqp)
- Never Before: Jokić finished with 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists – marking the first 55/15/15 game in NBA history. This is the kind of stat line you see in video games, not real life!
- Holiday Heat: He did it on 15-of-21 shooting (71.4%), while going 22-of-23 from the line and 4-of-6 from deep. That's efficiency at its absolute finest. For beginners, shooting percentage tells you how often a player makes their shots; the higher the percentage, the better!
- OT Takeover: He shot 100% from the field in OT, including two 3s to ignite a 16-4 run (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004454130157244717?lid=g5pj5lf8em3t) , before sinking his last 8 free throws in the final 30 seconds to seal the win. Clutch doesn't even begin to describe it.
- “It’s unbelievable (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004456761067987049?lid=yhrqj7gttdh4) ,” said Peyton Watson on Jokić postgame. “There’s no way we can take for granted what he did tonight – and every night.” Watson's quote perfectly encapsulates the awe and respect Jokić commands from his teammates.
Ultimate Stocking Stuffer: Jokić started the night with more records, piling up 23 points, 8 boards, and 7 assists in the 1st half – numbers no player had ever tallied in any half on Christmas since play-by-play data was first tracked in 1998-99. Play-by-play data is a detailed record of every action in a game, providing a treasure trove of information for analysts and fans alike.
With 7:24 left in the 3rd quarter, he recorded his 15th triple-double of the season – the fastest triple-double in a Christmas Day game and his ninth this year before the 4th quarter. A triple-double is when a player reaches double digits in three statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks) in a single game. It's a sign of all-around excellence.
By night’s end, he had dropped a holiday haul for the ages.
- All-Time Eruption: Jokić’s 56 points are the 3rd-most in a Christmas Day game – and the most in 41 years – trailing only Bernard King (60 in 1984) and Wilt Chamberlain (59 in ‘61). He joined some truly legendary company!
- All-Time Impact: Not to mention his 15 dimes, as he accounted for 96 of Denver’s points – the 2nd-most by any player in a game in the play-by-play era. "Dimes" is slang for assists, a testament to Jokić's incredible passing ability.
- Xmas X-Factor: That orchestration led to a Christmas Day record nine 3s from Jamal Murray (35 pts, 10 ast), who combined for 91 points with Jokić. It's amazing when two teammates get hot at the same time!
- Quadruple 30s: Julius Randle added 32 for Minnesota, marking just the second Christmas game ever with two 30+ point scorers on both teams. This shows how high-scoring and exciting the game was overall.
Bart Young + Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
The Final Gift: It all culminated in a 50-point overtime – the highest-scoring OT in NBA history: 27 from Denver, 23 from Minnesota, 18 from the Joker and one night we’ll never forget. This game was a gift to basketball fans everywhere!
- “56/16/15 … his statline is crazy,” said Nuggets coach David Adelman postgame. “But the reason being is he makes the right play all the time…” Adelman highlights Jokić's unselfishness, always making the best decision for the team.
- “Just don’t get tired of this. He’s the best player in the world, bottom line … What he does nightly, it’s important for the game of basketball – it’s good for sports (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004459115050160515?lid=b9268vpikf9w) .” Strong words from Adelman, but many would agree. Do you think Jokić is the best player in the world right now? Let us know in the comments!
2. SPURS EXTEND STREAK WITH ANOTHER WIN OVER OKC
They did it in Las Vegas in the Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals.
They did it in San Antonio in Tuesday’s rematch.
On Christmas Day, on OKC’s home floor—in a showdown of the top 2 teams in the West—the Spurs did it again. This isn't just a winning streak; it's a statement.
Spurs 117, Thunder 102: In their third meeting in 13 days, San Antonio moved to 3-0 against OKC (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004335000339243237?s=20&lid=u8r2vosumdqy) – this time, handing the defending champs their first home loss of the season behind De’Aaron Fox’s 29 points and 19 apiece from Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. | Recap (https://www.nba.com/game/sas-vs-okc-0022500010?lid=6o9hvi4nkim3)
- Spurs Surge: Fox dropped 21 points in the 1st half, as the Spurs jumped out to a 69-60 lead at the break – marking the most 1st-half points OKC has allowed all season. A strong start can set the tone for the entire game.
- Duality of San: Then the Spurs flexed their defensive muscle, using a 26-19 3rd quarter – OKC’s 2nd-lowest scoring quarter of the year – to take firm control, with Wemby directing traffic (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004309038033674270?lid=fd73izwm4l7t) and disrupting look after look. "Directing traffic" means Wemby was organizing the defense and making sure everyone was in the right position.
- Light The Tree: That 3rd quarter ended in style as Keldon Johnson finished a monster putback to put San Antonio up 16 ⬇️ A putback is when a player grabs an offensive rebound and immediately scores a basket.
Christmas Close: When OKC cut its deficit to 9 early in the 4th, the Spurs answered with one final push, as a Wemby trey sparked a 9-3 burst to push the lead back to 15 – silencing the Paycom Center for San Antonio’s eighth straight win. A "trey" is another term for a three-pointer.
- Giant Slayers: The Spurs are the first team to beat the Thunder in three consecutive matchups since the 2023-24 season. This is a significant accomplishment, showing the Spurs' ability to match up well against the Thunder.
- Giant Numbers: OKC has dropped just two other games all year, with a 26-2 record and a +16.8 average point differential against the rest of the NBA. This highlights how dominant the Thunder have been this season, making the Spurs' wins even more impressive.
- Giant Statements: In its three matchups vs. Oklahoma City, the Spurs are +12.3, including back-to-back 15+ point dubs. "Dubs" is slang for wins.
League On Notice: To be the best, you have to beat the best. San Antonio has done that not once, not twice, but three times in two weeks – flipping a budding rivalry on its head. The Spurs are sending a clear message to the rest of the league:
In real time, the Spurs have sprouted from a promising young squad to legit contenders – just 2.5 games back of OKC for 1st out West.
Against the defending champs, with the stakes raised, their young core has risen every time.
- Castle Cooking: Castle paired his 19 points with 7 dimes. He’s now averaging 21.7 ppg against the Thunder this season. This shows Castle's consistency and effectiveness against a specific opponent.
- Harper Humming: After 10 assists against OKC on Tuesday, Dylan Harper scored 12 on 5-of-8 shooting while helping limit Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 22 points. Limiting the opponent's best player is crucial for defensive success.
- Alien Impact: Wemby finished with a double-double while manning the middle (19 pts, 11 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004314686750445861?lid=ter5w6jhjgbw) ) as OKC was held to just 39% shooting – dropping to 14-1 at home. Wemby's presence in the paint makes it tough for opponents to score.
- “It’s an embodiment of the efforts and sweat we [put in] for months,” said Wembanyama on the Spurs’ emergence. “Each game is so intense and takes so much from you … the reward is incredible (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004331931664806047?s=20&lid=t48kl6imhfhv) .” This quote illustrates the dedication and hard work that goes into building a winning team.
3. CHRISTMAS COMEBACK: KNICKS RALLY PAST CAVS AT MSG
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
With under 11 minutes to play and down by 17 points, the Knicks were facing just their third home loss this season. The atmosphere in The Garden was tense, but the Knicks were about to deliver a Christmas miracle.
Then The Garden witnessed the first Christmas Day comeback of 2025 — and one of the biggest in the day’s history.
Knicks 126, Cavaliers 124: New York’s 42-point 4th quarter – sparked by 13 pts from Jalen Brunson, 11 from Tyler Kolek and 4 offensive boards from Mitchell Robinson – sparked its biggest comeback of the season and 3rd largest in Christmas Day history (play-by-play era). | Recap (https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-nyk-0022500009?lid=9q8gnurho99s)
- Stars Shine: Top-5 scorers Donovan Mitchell (7 reb, 6 ast, 4 3s) and Brunson (6 3s) granted every Christmas wish (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSscbC2EbbM/?utmsource=igwebcopylink&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D&lid=h22zkztzuzqt) , leading all scorers with dueling 34-point performances and combining for 28 4th-quarter points. When your star players step up in crunch time, anything is possible.
- Holiday Bonus: Jordan Clarkson added 25 points with five 3s off the bench, tying JR Smith (2012) for the most Knicks’ points off the bench on Christmas. A strong performance from the bench can be a game-changer.
- Clutch Kolek: The Knicks’ sparkplug (16 pts, 9 ast, +24) chased down Mitchell on a break with under 2 minutes left & NYK down 1, blocking the dunk attempt and allowing New York to retake the lead next time down. This play perfectly illustrates the impact of hustle and determination.
The Knicks then took control in a thrilling, final-minute sequence (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004281486418366579?s=20&lid=v861hk9zhgza) bookended by Karl-Anthony Towns’ putback and an OG Anunoby slam off slick press-breaking ball movement. Press-breaking ball movement refers to a team's strategy to advance the ball quickly and efficiently against the opponent's full-court press.
- Christmas Crown: Mitchell’s 34 points match LeBron (2003) for most Cavs points on Christmas, and added one more poster slam (https://www.instagram.com/p/DSsuD0AEUnm/?igsh=MWh4dDAzNzc2NGQ2YQ%3D%3D&lid=7253ic57bqls) to his stocking. A "poster slam" is a dunk so impressive it's worthy of being a poster.
- Cavs Cavalry: Darius Garland added 20 points and 10 assists, while Evan Mobley had 14 points and 9 rebounds in his first action in five games (calf). It's great to see players returning from injury and contributing to their teams.
- Dunk The Halls: Here’s how this back-and-forth thriller looked on “Dunk The Halls,” Disney’s live-animation (https://www.nba.com/?lid=pmclehvq149a#stories/65ba7e92-691e-ca3e-6b95-3a1e68c83013) simulcast, with Mickey filling Spida’s shoes to drop the hammer (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSsyK6ZkUU4/?utmsource=igwebcopylink&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D&lid=hcz2fxsqgie1) on everybody. This is a fun and creative way to engage younger fans with the game.
4. CHRISTMAS IN CALI: DUBS OVERCOME FLAGG, ROCKETS TOP LAKERS
“They’re special,” said Steph Curry yesterday of Christmas Day games. “It’s a great honor [to play] … I don’t ever take it for granted. It is a different energy (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004372763642155401?lid=0mh44zky93tl) .” Curry understands the significance of playing on Christmas Day.
Steph brought that same energy to the floor.
Warriors 126, Mavericks 116: Curry led seven Warriors in double figures with 23 points and 4 dimes (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004357081369903280?s=20&lid=cd4qwmiwnzzm) , helping spark a 40-28 1st quarter as the Dubs took an early lead and slammed the door late to beat the Mavs, despite Cooper Flagg’s big Christmas debut (27 pts, 6 reb, 5 ast). | Recap (https://www.nba.com/game/dal-vs-gsw-0022500011?period=Q1&lid=ewdx483zr4qq)
- Jimmy Buckets, Horford Heat: Jimmy Butler III added a near triple-double (14 pts, 9 reb, 9 ast), while Al Horford scored 11 of his 14 points in the 1st quarter, where he nailed three 3s. A "near triple-double" is when a player comes very close to achieving a triple-double.
- Steph Hits 26K: Steph became the 22nd player in league history to hit 26,000 career points amid the win – Golden State’s third in a row. This is a significant milestone, solidifying Curry's place among the NBA's all-time greats.
- Splash Bros Reunite: Klay Thompson linked with Steph (https://www.instagram.com/reels/DSs7DyhkePB/?lid=f0xzqq4do2a3) pregame before scoring 7 against his former team, which he helped guide to four championships. Curry spoke on the reunion postgame (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004377347198521560?s=20&lid=tted5i38otd1). The "Splash Bros" is the nickname given to Curry and Thompson for their exceptional three-point shooting abilities.
- Coop’s Big Christmas: Flagg dazzled on the holiday stage, joining LeBron as the only players 19 or younger to drop 25+ points on Christmas. This is a remarkable achievement for such a young player.
- “Just a true hooper,” said Curry on Flagg after facing him for the first time. “Competitor. We forget how young he is … the league is in good hands (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004364775002984881?lid=auqyilnbwxpl) .” Curry recognizes Flagg's potential and the bright future he has in the NBA.
Rockets 119, Lakers 96: In his Christmas debut, Amen Thompson (26 pts, 7 reb, 5 ast) showed out alongside Kevin Durant (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004398483659534625?lid=uaknjfx0yiti) (25 pts, 8 ast, 2 blk), leading the Rockets to a wire-to-wire win over Luka Dončić (25 pts, 5 reb, 7 ast) and the Lakers in Los Angeles. A "wire-to-wire" win means the Rockets led the game from start to finish.
- Amen Amazing: Thompson’s athleticism – and acrobatics (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004384515498955239?lid=d4rvy89hc4qd) – were on full display as he joined James Harden, Russell Westbrook and Hakeem Olajuwon as the only Rockets to post 25/5/5 on Christmas. This highlights Thompson's exceptional performance and places him in elite company.
- Sengun & Smith: Alperen Sengun added a double-double (14 pts, 12 reb), while Jabari Smith Jr. notched 16 points and 7 boards. It's important to have contributions from multiple players to achieve team success.
- Houston Hustle: The Rockets, who lead the league in offensive rebounds, collected 14 boards on the offensive glass, leading to 15 2nd-chance points and their first Christmas dub since 2018. Winning the rebounding battle can give a team a significant advantage.
- Christmas King: LeBron James let it snow (https://x.com/NBA/status/2004365265346482211?lid=84ixgi3zzhd2) ahead of his 20th Christmas Day game, before notching 18 points, 5 boards, 2 steals and 1 block for Los Angeles. Even in a loss, LeBron continues to make history.
5. TONIGHT ON PRIME: BULLS HOST SIXERS, CLIPS VISIT BLAZERS
Adam Hagy + Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images
It’s quickly becoming a season to remember for Tyrese Maxey. The 6th-year guard is on pace for career-best numbers in points, rebounds and assists, among other statistical categories. He’s two years removed from winning Kia Most Improved Player of the Year. Maxey is having a breakout season and is proving to be a star in the making.
Tonight (7:30 ET, Prime), Maxey can maintain the momentum.
The 76ers are poised to face the Bulls in an East battle. Philadelphia is picking up steam with seven victories in its last 11 outings, and now hits the road for a five-game trip.
- To The Max: Boasting 31.0 ppg — 3rd-most in the league — as well as 4.5 rpg and 6.9 apg, Maxey has excelled in a leadership role. "ppg" stands for points per game, "rpg" is rebounds per game, and "apg" is assists per game. These stats are used to evaluate a player's overall performance.
- Emergent Embiid: A seven-time All-Star has played alongside him. Joel Embiid has averaged 29.3 ppg while shooting 50% from the field in his last three games. Embiid's presence makes the 76ers a formidable opponent.
Chicago enters this matchup following back-to-back, two-point victories over Atlanta. Its winning streak now stands at four, thanks to two previous wins over Cleveland.
- Bull On Parade: Josh Giddey produced a 19/11/15 triple-double on Tuesday to secure his 7th this season – the 2nd-most in the NBA behind Nikola Jokić’s 14. Giddey is proving to be a versatile and valuable player for the Bulls.
- Close Calls: The Bulls sit 2.5 games shy of the Magic for 6th place in the East, while the 76ers are half a game behind the Raptors. The Eastern Conference standings are tight, making every game crucial.
In the West, the Clippers and Trail Blazers will go toe-to-toe (10 ET, Prime). LA’s first three-game winning streak of 2025-26 is on the line after defeats of the Lakers and Rockets.
- The Klaw: Kawhi Leonard is fresh off his first 40+ point effort since 2023, scoring 41 on Tuesday with 16-for-23 shooting in a 20-point victory over the Rockets. When Kawhi is healthy and playing at his best, the Clippers are a serious threat.
- Hot On The Trail: For Portland, Deni Avdija has pitched in 25.5 ppg and 6.6 apg — both career-bests — to make things happen offensively. Avdija is having a career year and is a key player for the Trail Blazers.
On League Pass, Cade Cunningham and the top-seeded Pistons pay a visit to the Jazz (9:30 ET). The Grizzlies, meanwhile, can secure a 9th victory in their last 13 games when the Bucks come to town (8 ET). League Pass is a subscription service that allows fans to watch NBA games online.
- Heat at Hawks (7 ET)
- Hornets at Magic (7 ET)
- Raptors at Wizards (7 ET)
- Celtics at Pacers (7 ET)
- Suns at Pelicans (8 ET)
So, what are your biggest takeaways from this incredible Christmas Day of basketball? Do you think the Spurs are legitimate contenders? Was Jokić's performance the best ever? And who are you voting for as an All-Star? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! Let's get the conversation started!
