NBA Christmas Style

Don’t get me wrong, Christmas is without any doubt one of the most beautiful and magical days of the year, whether you’re 10 or 40. Nothing beats the magical atmosphere of presents under the tree, lunches with family and endless wars with Monopoly or Risk. But, at a certain time, right around 6 pm, you start to desire to lie down on the sofa, to give some rest to your stomach and avoid all the awkward questions from grandmas and aunts. And in this very moment, when you think the best part of the day is already gone, you realize the best is actually yet to come.

Because Christmas, for all the NBA enthusiasts, doesn’t begin until late afternoon, when the American time-zone starts to become acceptable for European clocks and you can sit at the table (relax, it’s just a metaphor) and enjoy the richest menù of the basketball league. Also because in the US they’re very good at rising hype for an event, and everybody knows that during Christmas Day you can enjoy the best clashes this league could possibly offer. Included, and it has never been awaited as this year, the last NBA Finals rematch between the NBA Champions Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.

But, if you’re practical with NBA world, you also know that Christmas clashes are not only a chance to show to the world the best games the league can offer, but also a chance to do what the NBA does best, sell and monetize. From many years the Christmas jerseys have been as awaited as the games and also this year, the last with adidas before the arrival of Nike, they kept the expectations. And could we miss to show you every shirt? Of course no.

Hors d’oeuvres: Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks

Even if it’s not fascinating as it was a few years ago, this clash is still a classic rivalry in the NBA and this year, after difficult seasons for both the Knicks and the Celtics, it’s played with both teams in the higher parts of the standing. This game is going to be uncertain, and so will be the clash between the jerseys. Those two Christmas uniforms are very similar to the normal ones, very classic on their own.

Starter: Golden State Warriors @ Cleveland Cavaliers

This game, as probably both teams will reach the NBA Finals, is going to be the first of a long series and both Steph Curry and LeBron James will try to send a message to the rivals. But if on the field we’re going to see fireworks, the same cannot be said for the jerseys they’re going to wear. Between the two, the Cavs’ one is slightly better because of the font, but the Warriors’ one lose on of its best features, the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Main: Chicago Bulls @ San Antonio Spurs

After the starter, it comes a game that in theory shouldn’t have history. Popovich’s team has a best away than home record, but Wade and his teammates don’t seem able to challenge them. However, Bulls have shown us how they can be surprising and that’s the same for their jerseys. San Antonio’s uniforms leave its standards with a very stylish design and the Bulls’ red and black jersey always worths the price.

Dessert: Minnesota Timberwolves @ Oklahoma City Thunder

At this time of the Christmas dinner, one should be enough sated to avoid big desserts. NBA, instead, provides a four-layer cake with a time-bomb inside it, with one of the craziest games of the season. On one this Russell Westbrook, which is averaging a triple double per game, and a very nice light-blue jersey for OKC. On the other Thibodeau’s gang, which shirt, just like its seasons, is quite disappointing. However, you should watch this game, also because it features our first two choices for the most hipster teams in the Wester Conference.

After Dinner: Los Angeles Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers

A fascinating clash between the Lakers, without Kobe for the Christmas day for the first in years, and the Clippers, without Blake Griffin but determined to prove this is their year. And it’s also a great challenge between the two uniforms and not an easy choice. The Clips will wear a red shirt with the “LA Clippers” writing on it. On the other side, Nick Young and his teammates will wear a very clean white jersey. Will the magic of Christmas overturn the last derbies’ outcomes?