NBA scores: Christmas results, season recap after loaded day

NBA Christmas Day Recap: Knicks Rally, Spurs Impress, and contenders Clarify Their Path

In a landmark Christmas slate that underscored how the 2025-26 season is taking shape, New York staged a dramatic comeback to trip Cleveland 126-124. The Knicks erased a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter, led by Jalen Brunson’s 34 points. Off the bench, Jordan Clarkson poured in 25, and Mitchell robinson spearheaded the boards with eight on the offensive glass. Tyler Kolek added 16 points as New York survived a tense finish.

Earlier, San Antonio pressed its case as a rising power by handling Oklahoma City 117-102. De’Aaron Fox led the Spurs with 29 points, and Stephon Castle contributed 19 points and seven assists. Victor Wembanyama came off the bench for 19 points and 11 rebounds, part of an eight-game Spurs streak that has the league buzzing about a potential Spurs-OKC rivalry for years to come.

Golden State rolled to a 126-116 win over Dallas, a balanced attack buoyed by four double-figure scorers from the bench. Steph curry topped the night for the Warriors with 23 points,while Cooper Flagg impressed on his Christmas debut with 27 points. In the same breath, anthony Davis exited with a groin issue as the Mavericks faced a setback.

Houston took control early and never looked back in a 119-96 triumph against the Los Angeles Lakers. Kevin Durant posted 25 points to outshine LeBron James, and Amen Thompson sparked the Rockets with 26 points, seven rebounds, and five assists as Houston seized the game from the opening quarter and split the Lakers’ rebound advantage.

The season’s big questions and the christmas benchmark

The old maxim that Christmas marks the true start of the season remains debated. While it offers a practical checkpoint, teams are still balancing the urge to maximize wins with the real aim of peaking for the playoffs. The 82-game calendar is relentless,and the stretch from Christmas to the All-star break frequently enough defines the narrative for the rest of the year.

With this slate behind us, the league is eyeing a handful of teams that appear capable of dethroning the incumbent favorites. The narrative centers on who can sustain momentum as the playoff chase tightens and the draft picture begins to take shape.

Contender ladder: who can win the 2026 title?

• Oklahoma City Thunder: Entering Christmas in a position to threaten 70-win benchmarks, with MVP frontrunner vibes around shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a healthy Chet Holmgren, and a resurging supporting cast. The depth and continuity hint at a playoff run that could reach historic levels.
• Denver Nuggets: A roster upgrade and Jokic’s continued dominance position Denver as a top threat. If Jamal Murray returns to form soon, the Nuggets could reclaim their status as championship contenders.
• San Antonio Spurs: The Wembanyama era is advancing quickly. A stronger supporting cast, led by De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, points to sustained competitive play and playoff potential.
• New York Knicks: With Brunson’s elite play, Towns’s shooting versatility, Anoboy’s athleticism, and a deep supporting cast, New York could be a formidable force in the East’s upper tier.
• Houston Rockets: A rugged, physical unit that leans on offensive rebounding and a high-powered offence. Their mix of veterans and rising talents makes them a wild card in the title race.

• Tier 3 contenders: Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves.

Draft drama and the tank race

The 2026 draft class promises a rare talent line, with Cameron Boozer, A.J. Dybantsa, and Darryn Peterson among the leading prospects.Several teams are already positioned to chase the top pick, including the Washington Wizards, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Oklahoma City Thunder (via the Clippers), Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans), Brooklyn Nets, and Charlotte Hornets.

The February 5 trade deadline will be a focal point for front offices weighing bold moves. Potential deals could reshape rosters around established stars and emerging talents as teams position themselves for both the near term and the long arc of a loaded draft class.

Rookie class on the rise

Smart evaluators anticipated 2025 and 2026 would yield a dynamic rookie cohort. Here are the top five thus far:

1. Cooper flagg, Mavericks: The youngest player in the league, Flagg is already widely regarded as the class’s standout talent. A deeper piece on his rise highlights his ascent from youth basketball to the NBA spotlight.
2. Kon Knueppel, Hornets: The No.4 pick has proven to be more than a sharpshooter, emerging as a foundation piece for Charlotte’s future plans.
3. Derik Queen, Pelicans: A versatile 6’10 forward who can drive and finish, Queen is viewed as a long-term cornerstone despite the team’s recent upheavals.
4. Dylan Harper, Spurs: A dynamic driver and finisher, Harper is expected to become a starring sidekick to Victor Wembanyama as his career progresses.
5. Jeremiah Fears, Pelicans: A young guard whose handle, speed, and shooting development signal a bright trajectory.

Christmas day remixed: games to rewatch

Three matchups rise above the rest in reassessment of the holiday slate:

1. San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma city Thunder – The rematch of the NBA Cup semifinal is a promising look at a developing rivalry.
2. Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets – A clash of rising momentum and established star power around Jokic.
3. Houston Rockets at Los Angeles Lakers – A marquee battle featuring Luka, LeBron, and a Rockets squad that thrives on physical play.

Outlook: a season that could intensify the title chase

With the thunder pushing for back-to-back finals, the West offers a slate of serious challengers, and the East remains open for a Knicks-led push. Victor Wembanyama’s first playoff run will command attention,while Jokic continues to push every ounce of effort. The looming lottery stakes for a powerful 2026 class add another layer of drama as the calendar advances.

Summary table: Christmas Day results

Game	Final Score	Notable Performances
New York Knicks 126, Cleveland Cavaliers 124	Knicks 126 – Cavaliers 124	Jalen Brunson 34; Mitchell Robinson 8 offensive boards; Jordan Clarkson 25 off bench; Tyler Kolek 16
San antonio Spurs 117, Oklahoma City Thunder 102	Spurs 117 – Thunder 102	De’Aaron Fox 29; Stephon Castle 19 and 7 assists; Victor Wembanyama 19 and 11
Golden State Warriors 126, Dallas Mavericks 116	Warriors 126 – mavericks 116	Curry 23; four bench players in double figures; Cooper Flagg 27 in debut
Houston Rockets 119, Los Angeles Lakers 96	Rockets 119 – Lakers 96	Kevin Durant 25; amen Thompson 26; Lakers on three-game slide

As the season unfolds, the championship race is taking clearer shape, with a blend of veterans, fresh stars, and a dynamic rookie cohort signaling a compelling weeks ahead. The calendar may be crowded, but the biggest stories are just beginning to write themselves.

Share your take: Which team do you believe sustains this pace into spring, and who will claim the MVP battle by season’s end?

Join the conversation: which Christmas-day matchup should fans rewatch, and which rookies deserve continued spotlight as the season hits its stride?

What were the NBA scores and season details for Christmas 2025?

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