Christmas games should no longer be a part of the NBA schedule. First of all, there are too many games. Which means many players, broadcasters, and stadium workers have to work on the holdiay, and not spend time with their families.
The interest of these games is the NBA showcases the marquee teams and players on Christmas. Last year the main event was an NBA Finals rematch between the Lakers and the Celtics. The Celtics won the NBA Finals matchup earlier that year yet had to go to Los Angeles on Christmas.
This year the Celtics were on the road again on Christmas, this time in Orlando to face the Magic. One team should not be playing away from home on Christmas two years in a row. The Celtics vs. Magic game was also a very boring game. The combined score at half time was under 70 points. It was a defensive struggle, that the Celtics prevailed in.
The second game was the first epic showdown this season between the Lakers and Cavaliers. This game was also boring, as the Cavaliers fully controlled the game, and there was no spectacular ending. The NBA’s first two games with its four best teams were abysmal, and in heinsight they never were needed. After his team’s loss, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy made his dislike of Christmas day games public to reporters.
The NBA needs to understand the players are always on the road, and Christmas is a great time to be with their families. The league does not have to put the Kobe Bryant vs. Lebron James games on Christmas because those matchups will get viewers even if it started at 2 a.m. Get rid of the games, and let the players have their well deserved day with loved ones.