The NBA had its most-watched Christmas Day in five years, with an average of 5.25 million viewers per game in the U.S. across networks that broadcasted the slate of games. Compared to last season, total viewership was up 84%. The most-watched game was the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors, featuring a matchup between LeBron James and Stephen Curry. This game averaged 7.76 million viewers, with a peak of 8.32 million viewers. It became the most-watched NBA regular-season and Christmas Day game in the last five seasons. The five-game slate featured exciting matchups, all of which came down to the fourth quarter.

New York Knicks def. San Antonio Spurs 117 to 114

• Mikal Bridges scored a season-high 41 points to help the New York Knicks survive a 42-point performance from Victor Wembanyama, beating the San Antonio Spurs 117-114. The game was decided in a fast-paced fourth quarter, with both teams combining for 60 points while shooting a collective 54.8% (23 of 42). Wembanyama had an impressive Christmas Day debut, finishing with 42 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. Meanwhile, the Knicks extended their win streak to five games, improving to 20-10 on the season.

Minnesota Timberwolves def. Dallas Mavericks 105 to 99

• Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves with 26 points in their win over the Dallas Mavericks. The story of the game was Luka Dončić suffering a non-contact left calf strain late in the second quarter. Dallas trailed by as much as 28 points in the third quarter but mounted a strong comeback, cutting the deficit to 101-99 with 1:05 remaining in the fourth. However, the Mavericks’ rally fell short, with Edwards sealing the game for the Timberwolves.

Philadelphia 76ers def. Boston Celtics 118 to 114

• Tyrese Maxey led the Philadelphia 76ers with 33 points and 12 assists in their win over the Boston Celtics. Joel Embiid also had a strong performance, adding 27 points and 9 rebounds. The Celtics, down by 15 points in the fourth quarter, mounted a comeback and cut the deficit to 116-114 with 4.9 seconds remaining. However, Embiid sealed the win for the 76ers, making two crucial free throws to put them up by four points. The 76ers have now won six of their last eight games, but still remain six games under .500.

Los Angeles Lakers def. Golden State Warriors 115 to 113

• Austin Reaves scored the winning layup for the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing the game with a triple-double of 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. LeBron James led the Lakers with 31 points and 10 rebounds, marking his record 19th Christmas Day game. Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors with 38 points, including 8 three-pointers, one of which tied the game with 6.3 seconds remaining. The big story of the game, however, was Anthony Davis leaving in the first quarter with an ankle injury, which limited the Lakers’ depth throughout the game.

Phoenix Suns def. Denver Nuggets 110 to 100

• Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal both led the Suns in scoring with 27 points each in their win against the Denver Nuggets. Despite playing without Devin Booker (groin) and Grayson Allen (concussion protocol), the Suns stayed competitive throughout the game and pulled away in the fourth quarter, building a 15-point lead to secure the victory and snap a three-game losing streak. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 25 points and 15 rebounds.

Top 2024 Christmas Day Plays!

#NBAXmas had it all!

🎁 A game winner
🎁 Clutch triples
🎁 Emphatic slams
🎁 The closest average margin of victory (5.0) of any 5+ game Christmas Day slate in NBA history

Relive the best plays from an electric day of hoops! pic.twitter.com/sLgrwKKETp

— NBA (@NBA) December 26, 2024