Merry Hoopmas, Enjoyers! It’s the most wonderful time of the year—presents under the tree, a feast on the table, and five straight games of NBA action to keep us warm all day long. Because let’s be real: Santa isn’t the only one dishing out dimes today. 🎅🏽🏀

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday to Eric Gordon and Enjoyers Adonis, Isaac, Henry, and Nathan! 🎉

Game Recaps

Tyrese Takes Over: Sixers edge Spurs 111-106 in drama-filled battle

Who could have predicted just how chaotic this matchup would get? The madness started early, with Andre Drummond getting ejected for what appeared to be a light push on Victor Wembanyama—a call that was later rescinded. Not to be outdone, Joel Embiid let his emotions boil over, earning his own early exit after a heated exchange with the refs over a foul call.

Even without their MVP, the Sixers refused to fold. Despite Wemby’s defensive brilliance—seven blocks in the first half alone—Philly stayed within striking distance all night. Much of that was thanks to Guerschon Yabusele, who stepped up big with 17 points and four steals to keep the Sixers in the game.

When it mattered most, though, it was Tyrese Maxey (32 PTS) who took center stage. The electrifying guard delivered two of the clutchest plays of the season: a critical steal and fast-break slam to put Philly ahead followed by a filthy step-back dagger over Jeremy Sochan to seal the win.

Magic use power of friendship to beat Celtics 108-104 

Battered and bruised, missing half of their rotation, and down 15 at halftime, the Magic had no business winning this game against the defending champs (even if Boston was missing Jayson Tatum). And yet, Orlando found a way.

As Boston’s usually reliable shooters went cold in the second half, Orlando rapidly found its footing as guys up and down the roster chipped in with big buckets. We have to shout out two-way player Trevelin Queen (17 PTS) who crushed his first NBA start, but especially rookie Tristan Da Silva (18 PTS), who led the team in scoring and hit the game-ending three with ten seconds left to send the Celtics home for Christmas winless.

Elsewhere around the NBA…

• The Great Barrier Thief struck again, as Dyson Daniels recorded a career-high 8 steals to help the Hawks fly away from the Timberwolves with a 117-104 win.

• Cade Cunningham showed off his sweet handles in Detroit’s win over the Lakers, outshining a 28-point triple-double from LeBron James to help the Pistons grab a much-needed dub.

• Christmas came early for the Nuggets’ starters, who got the night off early in their 117-90 dismantling of the Suns. Nikola Jokic dropped a casual 30-piece, Michael Porter Jr. was automatic, and Russell Westbrook turned back the clock with a sizzling 3rd quarter. 🎁

• SGA was in MVP mode against Washington, torching the Wizards for a hyper-efficient 41 points and six stocks in OKC’s 123-105 beatdown. Is it time to officially start the campaign?

• The Pacers built some serious momentum with a 111-105 road win over the Warriors. Myles Turner had one of his best games this season, punctuated by a dagger three in the final moments to seal the deal.💧

• Ivica Zubac’s monster season keeps on rolling. The Clippers big man was a board shy of a 20-20 game, teaming up with Norman Powell to power LA past Memphis 114-110.

Numbers to Remember 🔢

22%

…Isaiah Hartenstein’s rebound percentage this season, the highest total of his career and the third-highest in the NBA this year. The Thunder are 11-1 since I-Hart’s debut, and a huge part of that has been his insane impact on the boards. In games with him on the floor, OKC jumps to 11th in team rebounding percentage. Without him? Dead last. If this improvement on the glass is legit, the Thunder might be in position to make the Finals for the first time since the KD-Russ-Harden era.

51.4%

…Nikola Jokic's three-point percentage, the best in the entire league. Jokic has gone from a guy teams dared to shoot from deep to someone who makes defenses question their life choices. If Big Honey keeps this up, he’ll be the first center in NBA history to lead the league in three-point percentage. It’s a good time to be a Jokic fan—and an even better time to appreciate how the center position keeps evolving.

2

…the number of 15+ assist games Cade Cunningham has in December, more than the rest of his career combined. Detroit has been one of the more pleasant surprises this season, and Cade’s evolution as a playmaker is a big reason why. Whether it’s threading needles in transition or orchestrating Detroit’s half-court offense, Cunningham is turning the Pistons into must-see TV. Is Detroit back? Maybe not quite yet—but with Cade at the helm, they’re well on their way.

Three in the Key

Signing Off

Merry Christmas, Enjoyers! 🎄 While we can’t promise you all a win for your favorite teams, we can wish you all a wonderful day filled with family, gifts, and joy. Take it easy and Enjoy this time off to recharge and relax!

Talk soon,

-Spencer Poole