For the 12th straight season, the NBA will play five games on Christmas Day.
2019 marks the 13th consecutive year in which at least one Canadian player takes the floor on Christmas Day. While just one saw action in 2018 (Nik Stauskas), as many as five could take the floor on Christmas in 2019.
- Boston Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors, 12:00 p.m. ET – Chris Boucher (Montreal, QC), Oshae Brissett (Mississauga, ON)
- LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 8:00 p.m. ET – Mfiondu Kabengele (Burlington, ON)
- New Orleans Pelicans vs. Denver Nuggets, 10:30 p.m. ET – Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Toronto, ON), Jamal Murray (Kitchener, ON)
While the 13-year streak is impressive, the history of Canadians playing on Christmas Day goes back much further, and plenty of memorable performances have been put forth by some of Canada's best.
In the spirit of the holiday season, take a look back to some of the more notable performances put forth by Canadians on Christmas Day.
Andrew Wiggins, 2017
A balanced night under the STAPLES lights
Though Andrew Wiggins made his Christmas debut with the Wolves in 2016, it wasn't until the following year where he would earn his first win on the holiday.
In a Christmas nightcap, Minnesota travelled to Los Angeles to take on a talented, young Lakers team. Wiggins' presence was felt in a number of ways as he finished the night with 16 points, five assists and four rebounds.
The Wolves outlasted the Lakers to improve to 21-13 on the season.
Kelly Olynyk, 2016
An efficient Christmas Day matinee
Kelly Olynyk delivered an impressive performance in his lone appearance on the Christmas holiday.
While it's tough for some to get going for a game that tips at noon, the 7-footer finished with 16 points, two rebounds and two assists in just over 23 minutes off the bench. Olynyk was extremely efficient, shooting 7-for-9 from the field and 2-for-3 from downtown.
His performance helped propel the Celtics to a 119-114 win over their division rival Knicks.
Tristan Thompson, 2016
A dominant day on the offensive glass
NBA Champion Tristan Thompson has played on Christmas Day four times in his eight-year career, with his lone win coming in a rematch of the 2016 Finals.
In a game in which every point mattered, Thompson finished with eight points and eight rebounds (six offensive) as the Cavs went on to defeat Kevin Durant and the Golden State Warriors 109-108.
Cory Joseph, 2014
A versatile Christmas Day showing
Cory Joseph and the Spurs, who were the defending NBA Champs, played host to the OKC Thunder on Christmas Day in 2014.
San Antonio lost by eight, but Joseph made his presence felt as he finished with 14 points (on 5-for-7 shooting), five assists and four rebounds off the bench in under 30 minutes of action.
Steve Nash, 2003
A double-double in ARCO
The Sacramento Kings lost just seven games at ARCO Arena in the 2003-04 season – one of those losses came to Steve Nash and the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day.
Dirk Nowitzki scored a game-high 31 points, but Nash was the maestro that set things up, finishing with a double-double of 14 points and 11 assists as the Mavs earned a 111-103 win over the home team.
It was the second of six Christmas Day games for the eventual two-time MVP, who averaged 14.3 points, 8.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds on the holiday; his teams finished with an even record of 3-3.
Rick Fox, 1991
A Christmas debut to remember
In his rookie season, Rick Fox and the Boston Celtics travelled to take on the defending champion Bulls and reigning league MVP Michael Jordan.
While it was a rough overall day for the Celtics, who suffered a 22-point loss, Fox made the most of his opportunity on the floor, scoring 21 points (on 7-for-13 shooting) and grabbing three rebounds in 28 minutes of action. Fox outscored all but one of the five Hall-of-Famers that played that day (Scottie Pippen).
Fox would go on to win All-Rookie Second Team honours that season and play on Christmas Day four more times in his 13-year career. He also won three NBA titles as a member of the Lakers.