The NBA’s Christmas Day tradition once again delivered a showcase worthy of the league’s biggest stage. Five nationally televised games on ABC and ESPN featured dramatic comebacks, dominant team performances, and one of the greatest individual nights in league history.

From Madison Square Garden to a thrilling overtime finish in Denver, Christmas Day 2025 reinforced why this slate remains one of the most anticipated events on the NBA calendar.

Knicks Rally Late to Stun Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden

The day opened with a classic at MSG, as the New York Knicks erased a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 126–124 in dramatic fashion.

Jalen Brunson was at the center of it all, finishing with 34 points and delivering steady leadership down the stretch. New York’s defensive intensity forced late turnovers, while timely shot-making swung momentum and ignited the Garden crowd. It was a statement win for a Knicks team continuing to build confidence on the national stage.

Spurs Stay Hot with Convincing Win Over Thunder

The San Antonio Spurs followed with a strong 117–102 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, continuing a stretch of consistent, disciplined play.

De’Aaron Fox led the way with 29 points, while Victor Wembanyama (19 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists) impacted the game defensively and on the glass in playing only 25 minutes. San Antonio’s ball movement and defensive execution allowed them to control the game early and maintain separation throughout, highlighting the team’s growing identity as the season unfolds.

Warriors Hold Off Mavericks in High-Scoring Showcase

Golden State delivered another Christmas Day win, topping the Dallas Mavericks 126–116 behind a balanced offensive effort. Stephen Curry finished with (23 points, 3 rebounds, 4 Assists) continuing his long history of producing on the league’s biggest holiday stage.

Despite the loss, Dallas found encouragement in Cooper Flagg, (27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 Assists) who impressed in his Christmas Day debut with confident scoring and composure against a veteran Warriors lineup. The matchup offered a glimpse of both Golden State’s experience and the Mavericks’ promising future.

Rockets Dominate Lakers Behind Thompson and Durant

One of the day’s most decisive results came in Houston’s 119–96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Amen Thompson paced the Rockets with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Kevin Durant added 25 points, 4 rebounds, 8 assists efficiently orchestrating the offense.

Houston’s defensive pressure and pace overwhelmed a Lakers group led by Luka Dončić and LeBron James, allowing the Rockets to seize control early and never relinquish it.

Nikola Jokić Delivers One of the Greatest Christmas Day Performances Ever

The nightcap provided an instant classic. Nikola Jokić delivered a historic performance in the Denver Nuggets’ 142–138 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Jokić finished with 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists, becoming the first player in NBA history to record at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game. Jamal Murray added 35 points and 10 assists, while Anthony Edwards poured in 44 points for Minnesota in a high-level duel that lived up to its billing.

It was a performance that will be remembered not only as a Christmas Day classic, but as one of the defining games of the entire NBA season.

Top Performers from NBA Christmas Day 2025

• Nikola Jokić (Nuggets): 56 PTS, 16 REB, 15 AST
• Jalen Brunson (Knicks): 34 PTS,4 AST, 2 STL
• De’Aaron Fox (Spurs): 29 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST
• Amen Thompson (Rockets): 26 PTS, 7 REB, 5 AST
• Stephen Curry (Warriors): 23 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST
• Luka Dončić (Lakers): 25 PTS, 5 REB, 7 AST

Final Takeaway

NBA Christmas Day continues to be the league’s premier stage, and the 2025 edition delivered on every front. From dramatic comebacks and breakout performances to a historic night from Nikola Jokić, the holiday slate offered a reminder of why Christmas basketball remains a defining moment in the NBA season.

As the season moves forward, many of these moments will serve as reference points — not just for Christmas Day, but for the broader story of the 2025 NBA campaign.