In this exploration, we delve into the NBA’s Christmas Day lore, uncovering the all-time leaders in nine major statistical categories. From scoring titans to assist maestros, we illuminate the stars who have shone brightest on the grand holiday stage, leaving an indelible mark on the Christmas Day hardwood.
Most Games Played
1. LeBron James – 17
2. Kobe Bryant – 16
T3. Shaquille O’Neal – 13
T3. Dwyane Wade – 13
T3. Earl Monroe – 13
LeBron James leads Kobe Bryant as the player with the most appearances in NBA’s Christmas Day games. With no other active players currently at the top of the scale, Shaq and Dwyane Wade are tied with Earl Monroe to finish the group.
Most Wins
T1. LeBron James – 10
T1. Dwyane Wade – 10
T2. Udonis Haslem – 9
T2. Dick Van Arsdale – 9
T3. James Harden – 8
T3. Oscar Robertson – 8
Playing for the Miami Heat for 4 seasons, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade historically lead in most victories, after 17 and 13 games played. Their teammate Udonis Haslem is also at the top, while James Harden is another active player looking to continue adding wins on Christmas.
Most Points
1. LeBron James – 460
2. Kobe Bryant – 395
3. Oscar Robertson – 377
4. Dwyane Wade – 314
5. Kevin Durant – 299
LeBron James, still active, leads all players as the highest point-scorer in the history of Christmas Day games. His 460 points stand as the highest mark and will prove to be a formidable record to surpass. Not only has his enduring excellence placed him at the pinnacle, but also Kevin Durant, the only active player in the Top 5, trails far behind with 299 points.
Most Rebounds
1. Bill Russell – 176
2. Wes Unseld – 163
3. Shaquille O’Neal – 155
4. Wilt Chamberlain- 152
5. Wayne Embry – 136
Bill Russell cemented his legacy as the all-time leader in rebounds during Christmas. With an average of 22.5 rebounds per game over his career, the legendary Boston Celtics player etched his name atop the conversation, seemingly untouchable and far from being dethroned.
Most Assists
1. Oscar Robertson – 144
2. LeBron James – 119
3. Russell Westbrook – 97
4. Kobe Bryant – 85
5. James Harden-81
Oscar Robertson not only stands as one of the top scorers in Christmas history but also holds the title of assists leader with an average of 12.0 over his 12 played games, where he also achieved 4 triple-doubles. Behind him is LeBron James, who came close but seems to find the top spot elusive.
Most Steals
1. Russell Westbrook – 29
2. LeBron James – 26
3. Scottie Pippen -24
4. Dwyane Wade – 23
T5. Kobe Bryant – 17
T5. Michael Jordan – 17
While LeBron James may be leading in multiple categories, Russell Westbrook remains the all-time leader in steals in Christmas Day games, just 3 ahead of LeBron. The competition is still very much alive. Among active players, none are currently challenging for a spot on the podium in this category.
Most Blocks
1. Shaquille O’Neal – 25
2. Dwight Howard – 19
T3. Amare Stoudemire – 16
T3. Elvin Hayes – 16
5. Pau Gasol – 13
While Shaq is renowned for his offensive prowess, his ability to be a rim protector is well displayed in this setting. In Christmas Day games, O’Neal leads the entire NBA in history in blocks, and it appears that his record will not be surpassed anytime soon.
Most 3-Pointers Made
1. James Harden – 31
2. LeBron James – 28
3. Kevin Durant – 25
4. J.J. Redick – 24
5. Klay Thompson – 20
James Harden, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant are vying for the top spot in this category. Harden, during his time with the Rockets, relished being a one-man offensive force, while James and Durant continue to showcase their enduring prowess.
Most Free Throws Made
1. Oscar Robertson – 125
2. LeBron James – 106
3. Kobe Bryant – 106
4. Dolph Schayes – 87
5. Dick Van Arsdale – 84
Oscar Robertson holds a considerable advantage over LeBron James in free throws. In his 12 games, Robertson went to the line a total of 136 times, converting an impressive 91.2% of his shots into points. It’s safe to say that his record is far from being surpassed anytime soon.
