From Jordan to LeBron: The Top Christmas Day Sports Moments

Published on December 25th, 2025 3:48 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


Christmas Day has produced some of sport's most memorable moments. Though most leagues now avoid playing on December 25, the holiday has a long history of landmark games and performances.

Knicks vs. Celtics, 1949

The NBA's first Christmas Day game took place in 1949. The New York Knicks defeated the Providence Steamrollers 89-75 at Madison Square Garden. It started a tradition that continues today. The Knicks have since appeared in more Christmas games than any other team.

Dolphins vs. Chiefs, 1971 AFC Divisional Playoff

On December 25, 1971, the Miami Dolphins beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 in double overtime. The game lasted 82 minutes and 40 seconds, making it the longest in NFL history. Garo Yepremian's field goal ended the Chiefs' season and began Miami's run to three straight Super Bowls.

Bulls vs. Knicks, 1992

Michael Jordan's Bulls met Patrick Ewing's Knicks in a bruising Christmas Day showdown. Chicago escaped 89-77, but the physical matchup set the tone for their fierce 1990s rivalry. Jordan scored 42 points in front of a national audience, reminding everyone why he ruled the decade.

Lakers vs. Heat, 2004

This was Shaquille O'Neal's first game against the Lakers after his trade to Miami. The Heat won 104-102 in overtime, with Dwyane Wade scoring 29 and Kobe Bryant posting 42. The tension, hype, and drama made it one of the most-watched NBA regular-season games ever.

LeBron vs. Warriors, 2016

Cleveland's 109-108 win over Golden State delivered one of the best finishes in Christmas Day history. Kyrie Irving's fadeaway with 3.4 seconds left capped a 14-point comeback and reignited the Cavs-Warriors rivalry. The game drew more than 10 million viewers - the highest for any Christmas matchup in over a decade.

Other Christmas classics could easily have made the list - Bernard King's 60-point outburst in 1984, Kobe Bryant's duels with Shaq in the late 2000s, or the NFL's rare holiday showdowns in the 1980s.