Fri Dec 26 01:40:00 UTC 2025: NBA Stars Share Christmas Memories, Balancing Family and the Game

NEW YORK – As the NBA gears up for its annual Christmas Day showcase, players and coaches are reflecting on the unique blend of joy and sacrifice that comes with working on the holiday. While the chance to compete on a national stage is a cherished honor, it often requires fitting family traditions around game-day routines, or even postponing celebrations altogether.

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, who has been involved in 17 Christmas Day games as a player or coach, admits to a love-hate relationship with the holiday matchups. “I love it and hate it at the same time because having time with your family, it’s so important,” Rivers told ESPN. “But also, there’s nothing better. It’s the most favorite game to win.”

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr echoed the sentiment, noting the surreal experience of being on the road on Christmas. “You wake up in Room 736 and you forget that it’s Christmas,” Kerr explained. “And you look at your text saying, ‘Merry Christmas.’ And you’re like, ‘Oh yeah, it’s Christmas.'”

LeBron James, who has played a record 19 times on Christmas Day, acknowledges the challenges of balancing his professional life with family time. His son, Bronny, recalls always hoping for home games so the family could be together. “But we always go home to our house and open presents in the morning. If he’s not there, then we’ll wait or do it the day before,” Bronny said.

This year’s Christmas Day lineup features five compelling matchups: Cavaliers at Knicks, Spurs at Thunder, Mavericks at Warriors, Rockets at Lakers, and Timberwolves at Nuggets. While the games promise to deliver holiday excitement for fans, the players and coaches will be navigating the complexities of celebrating Christmas while pursuing their passion on the court.

Draymond Green candidly says, “As an NBA player, you want to be on that stage… But as a human, it f—ing sucks.”

Despite the challenges, many players recognize the privilege of playing on Christmas Day. New York Knicks guard Josh Hart said, “Now Christmas is magical… You wake up, get some breakfast, head to the Garden, get your work, hopefully get a win, and then you get to celebrate Christmas.”

Donovan Mitchell who also plays for the Knicks shared “Man, I love playing on Christmas…It means you are doing something right as a team, right?”

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