Christmas time brings about many traditions in American households. It's the season of giving, putting up Christmas lights, decorating a Christmas tree, opening presents Christmas morning, and putting out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for his reindeer. Another tradition synonymous with Christmas day is the annual slate of five games handpicked to showcase the league's best talent, rivalries and storylines. With the NBA being as iconic as Santa on Christmas, here are some of my reactions to the NBA's slate of Christmas Day games:
Luka's Reminder
The late-window game for the league saw Dallas and Phoenix clash, with most fans expecting duels between the Maverick's Luka Doncic and the Sun's Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. After the full 48 minutes had concluded, the clear takeaway was that Luka Doncic should not be forgotten in the slew of all-star and all-NBA talent being showcased in the league today.
In fact, Doncic has truly never been better. The Slovenian superstar is still only 24 years old and does nothing but improve along with the supporting casts around him in Dallas.
Doncic became the fourth player ever to drop 50 points on Christmas, and if that wasn't impressive enough, he added 15 assists, four steals, and three blocks to show off his whole skillset, a complete offensive hub, and solid defense when he tries. The Mavericks came away with the win in a game that saw Booker struggle, but the Sun's inconsistencies should not distract you or let you forget that Doncic has never been better.
Boston could be a historic team
When reminiscing on historic teams throughout my years of being an NBA fan, many juggernauts come to mind. The '18 Warriors, '16 Cavs, '13 Heat, '10 Lakers, and '08 Celtics usually outweigh the rest in my brain. Within a few years, this year's Celtics team could easily make that list. Having Derrick White as the fourth or fifth option on any given night should just be unfair. This team is so balanced on both sides of the court, and every player can excel on offense and defense.
In their Christmas Day game against the Lakers, every member of the starting lineup scored at least 18 points. The Celtics have so many ways they can beat a team on any given night, and their star power mixed with depth makes them the premier title contender and a possible contender for an all-time team if they can take it all the way.
The Warriors need to make a trade
Time is ticking for Golden State. A few weeks ago, it was obvious that some form of change was needed for the aging Warriors squad. Whether it was a trade, giving younger players more minutes instead of Klay Thompson, or attempting the impossible in controlling Draymond Green's temper.
Golden State almost did the opposite, and after Green punched Sun's center Jusef Nurkic, he was suspended indefinitely by the NBA. Since then, youngsters Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski were infused into the starting lineup, providing the Dubs with some added juice.
Golden State still is missing Green's outstanding chemistry with Stephen Curry, as well as his defensive presence and IQ, and that proved once more to be true against the Nuggets on Christmas. Green's defensive versatility was sorely missed against Denver, as Golden State had no answer for the Nuggets' ball movement and chemistry on offense.
We still don't know how long Green will be out, and with the championship window closing on the Warriors, it is time to trade for another defensive-minded role player who can also add a spark on offense. Warriors coach Steve Kerr has already told Bulls guard Alex Caruso how much he is a fan of his game, and if they can get him, the Warriors could turn their season around, even without Draymond Green available.
Charlie Fadel is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts? Let Charlie know by emailing or tweeting him at @CharlieFadel or cf111322@ohio.edu.
