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LeBron James and Steph Curry Continue to Thrill on Christmas Day
The NBA’s Christmas Day slate has long been a showcase for the league’s top talent, and this year’s edition did not disappoint. The marquee matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors was a thrilling affair, with LeBron James and Steph Curry delivering vintage performances.
James, who became the NBA’s all-time leader in Christmas Day victories with his 11th win in 19 appearances, was his usual dominant self. He led the Lakers with 31 points on 12-for-22 shooting and added 10 assists with only one turnover. Curry, meanwhile, scored 17 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth quarter, including a 31-foot 3-pointer with 7.6 seconds left that tied the score.
Despite the Warriors’ ultimately falling short, 115-113, the game was a testament to the enduring greatness of James and Curry. The two superstars have been battling it out on Christmas Day for nearly a decade, and their rivalry continues to captivate audiences.
James, who turns 40 next week, showed no signs of slowing down. He was asked after the game what still makes the NBA special, and his response was telling. “LeBron and Steph,” he said with a smile. Indeed, the duo’s ongoing rivalry is a major part of what makes the NBA so compelling.
The game was also notable for the absence of Lakers big man Anthony Davis, who sprained his left ankle in the first quarter and did not return. Despite Davis’ exit, the Lakers were able to hold on for the win, thanks in large part to James’ heroics.
The Christmas Day slate was filled with exciting matchups, including a 41-point performance by Mikal Bridges to lift the New York Knicks past the San Antonio Spurs, and a furious comeback by the Dallas Mavericks that fell short against the Minnesota Timberwolves. But the Lakers-Warriors game was the main event, and it did not disappoint.
As Curry noted after the game, “It’s always a blast” playing on Christmas Day, especially against a rival like James. “The competitive spirit, the history, his greatness… it allows me to just appreciate all that we’ve been through, all the battles back and forth.” Curry sounded wistful, reflecting on the fact that he and James are still going strong after all these years.
James, meanwhile, was triumphant, declaring “Christmas is our day” in a parting shot during his post-game interview. The NFL may have had two games on Christmas, but the NBA was the main attraction, and James and Curry were the stars of the show.
