Updating yesterday's preview, the NBA Christmas Day 2025 slate kicked off with dramatic wins for the Knicks, Spurs, and Warriors. Jalen Brunson and De’Aaron Fox starred in key victories, while star clashes loom in the Lakers-Rockets and Nuggets-Timberwolves nightcaps.
As previewed, the Christmas Day action started at Madison Square Garden with the Knicks' historic 126-124 comeback win over the Cavaliers—their largest fourth-quarter rally on the holiday. Trailing by 17, New York rallied behind Jalen Brunson's 34 points; bench spark Tyler Kolek added 16 points and nine assists. Donovan Mitchell's 34 and Darius Garland's 21 points-10 assists weren't enough for Cleveland.
The Spurs followed with a 117-102 rout of the Thunder, their third straight win this season. De’Aaron Fox led with 29 efficient points, Victor Wembanyama posted 19 points-11 rebounds in his second Christmas game, and Stephon Castle contributed 19 points-seven assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 22 for OKC, but they shot just 39 percent.
Stephen Curry reached 26,000 career points with 23 in the Warriors' 126-116 win over the Mavericks—his 12th Christmas game. Al Horford hit 12 points on perfect threes early, Jimmy Butler III added eight points-six rebounds-four assists. Dallas' Cooper Flagg dazzled in his debut with 27 points-six rebounds-five assists; Max Christie matched with 27.
Remaining: Rockets at Lakers (8 p.m. ET), featuring Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James (tied 2-2 on Christmas); then Timberwolves at Nuggets (10:30 p.m. ET), rematching their 2024 playoffs.
