Nothing says Christmas quite like basketball — at least, that’s been the case since 1947. In addition to stockings, eggnog, and general yuletide cheer, each Christmas Day brings about an annual lineup of basketball games featuring the National Basketball Association’s best of the best, and it’s become a time-honored tradition. Why Basketball Is a Christmas Staple MERRY HOOPSMAS!
However, for loyal fans and viewers, the tradition has sparked a few great moments, including the following greatest games, statistics, and achievements — plus a potential record to watch for this year. • Kings of Christmas Day: Since their initial 1947 debut, the New York Knicks have gone on to play the most holiday games of any other NBA team. They have 22 wins and 31 losses, giving them the most losses on Christmas Day. (Until recently, they had the most wins, too, but the Los Angeles Lakers now hold that title.) • Point Pros: This year could be a historic one for the NBA. LeBron James is slated to surpass the late Kobe Bryant for the most points scored on Christmas Day. James just needs 13 points to outpace Bryant when the Lakers host the Brooklyn Nets this year. However, the title for most points scored on a single Christmas Day game goes to Bernard King of the Knicks, who scored 60 points in a 1984 loss to the then-New Jersey Nets.
But where in the North Pole did this idea come from?
While it’s hard to pinpoint an exact reason, the NBA has hosted Christmas Day games since 1947, when the New York Knicks beat the Providence Steamrollers 89–75. For decades, teams across the league would play their regional rivals on Dec. 25, ensuring the basketball season moved forward and players didn’t have to travel too far from their families. That looks different today. In contrast to the National Football League’s Thanksgiving Day games, where the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys always play, Christmas Day is now reserved for the NBA’s top teams. In many ways, this is a marketing ploy designed to heighten NBA viewership on a day when few other sports host games, and by using their best teams, the NBA can ensure viewers are treated to great games.
You can catch all five Christmas Day games on ESPN and ABC this Christmas Day!
Take a Break!
Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Inspired by DreenaBurton.com
Set out these vegan cookies for Santa!
Ingredients
• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp baking soda • 1/4 cup sugar • 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup maple syrup • 1/4 tsp molasses • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 cup olive oil • 1/3 cup vegan chocolate chips
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. 3. In a smaller bowl, combine maple syrup, molasses, vanilla, and oil. 4. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry mixture. Mix in chocolate chips. 5. Place large spoonfuls of dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 11 minutes.
CANDLES CELEBRATION JINGLE JOLLY
MISTLETOE ORNAMENT PRESENT SANTA
SLEIGH STOCKING
WASSAIL WREATH
985-640-6072 • 3
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