- The Lakers defeated the New York Knicks 100-94 as part of the NBA’s quintuple header. This win, the fifth in the row for the Lakers, put them at .500 for the first time since early November. The return of point guard Steve Nash helps the Lakers look like they are clicking the way the experts thought they would prior to the season.
- Of course, it helps to play some weaker teams. The five game streak included defeats of the Washington Wizards, Charlotte Bobcats and the still Andrew Bynum-less Philadelphia 76ers. However, this victory over the Knicks is the biggest single victory for the Lakers this season.
- The Lakers move to 14-14 on the season and the Knicks drop to 20-8 but still in control of their season and in second place in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers were led by Kobe Bryant who scored 34 points, becoming the highest scoring player on Christmas Day in NBA history. The Knicks were led by Carmelo Anthony who also scored 34 points.
Clippers win 14th straight
- Only a few hours after the Lakers extended their win streak, the Staples Center setup crew had changed out the floorboards to match that venue's other tenant, and the Clippers did not disappoint their home fans, beating the Denver Nuggets 112-100 which, combined with Oklahoma City's earlier loss to the Miami Heat, gave them the best record in the NBA.
- The Clippers have used superior depth all season and it showed again on Christmas; Jamal Crawford and Matt Barnes led all scorers with 22 and 20 points respectively, even though neither one started.
- Every Clippers player scored and this is a team that is hitting its peak even without solid contributors Chauncey Billups and Grant Hill who have both been hurt all season long.
- L.A. additionally did a good job containing Nuggets superstar Ty Lawson, who only had 15 points and 5 assists.
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