While the NFL dominates Thanksgiving Day, the NBA has made the weekend its own by hosting games that deliver unforgettable moments. Here are some of the most memorable Thanksgiving weekend NBA games, showcasing star performances, intense rivalries, and iconic buzzer-beaters.
Knicks vs. Nets: Battle of New York (November 29, 2013)
Thanksgiving weekend NBA games often feature regional rivalries, and in 2013, the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets put on a show. The Knicks, led by Carmelo Anthony, squared off against a Nets team anchored by Deron Williams and Kevin Garnett.
In a game that exemplified the high stakes of a city rivalry, Carmelo Anthony poured in 29 points, lifting the Knicks to a 109-98 win. The atmosphere at Barclays Center was electric, and the victory gave the Knicks bragging rights over their cross-town rivals during the holiday season.
The Shaq-Kobe Showdown (November 27, 2003)
When the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs met on Thanksgiving weekend in 2003, fans were treated to a clash of Western Conference titans. This game was particularly significant as it highlighted the peak of the Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant partnership, as well as Tim Duncan’s dominance for the Spurs.
Shaq posted a monstrous 32-point, 18-rebound performance, while Kobe added 27 points. The Lakers secured a hard-fought 90-86 victory in a game that previewed what would become a fierce playoff rivalry later that season.
LeBron’s Early Heroics (November 27, 2004)
In only his second season, LeBron James showed why he was destined for greatness during a Thanksgiving weekend game against the Chicago Bulls. The Cleveland Cavaliers star delivered an all-around performance with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading his team to a dramatic 96-91 win.
LeBron’s ability to take over the game in crunch time established him as a player who thrived under the spotlight, even in his early years. This performance set the tone for many more memorable holiday moments throughout his career.
Derrick Rose’s Buzzer-Beater (November 25, 2011)
Coming off an MVP season, Derrick Rose gave Chicago Bulls fans another reason to be thankful during a Thanksgiving weekend showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks. In a tightly contested game, Rose hit a game-winning jumper at the buzzer to secure a 93-91 victory.
Rose’s clutch shot was a defining moment of his career and underscored his ability to rise to the occasion. It also solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most electrifying players before injuries began to take their toll.
Golden State’s Early Dominance (November 28, 2015)
The Golden State Warriors’ 2015-16 season is widely regarded as one of the greatest in NBA history, and their Thanksgiving weekend matchup against the Sacramento Kings provided yet another glimpse of their dominance. Steph Curry dropped 17 of his 19 points in the first quarter, as the Warriors cruised to a 120-101 victory.
The game extended Golden State’s record-setting start to 18-0, fueling speculation that the team could surpass the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ 72-10 record. The Warriors ultimately had the best single regular season record that year, and this Thanksgiving weekend performance was a highlight of their historic season.
Celtics vs. Sixers: Holiday Rivalry Renewed (November 29, 2019)
Thanksgiving weekend NBA games often reignite rivalries, and the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers provided a thrilling chapter in 2019. The game showcased the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and the Sixers’ Joel Embiid, two rising stars who embodied the future of their franchises.
Despite Embiid’s dominant 38-point, 13-rebound performance, the Celtics held on for a 114-109 victory behind a balanced scoring attack and clutch defense. This game highlighted the intensity of the Celtics-Sixers rivalry, one of the oldest and most storied in NBA history.
James Harden’s Scoring Clinic (November 27, 2020)
In 2020, James Harden gave fans another reason to feast on basketball during Thanksgiving weekend. Facing the Dallas Mavericks, Harden erupted for 44 points, including several deep three-pointers that left the crowd in awe.
The game, a high-scoring affair, ended in a 132-128 overtime win for the Houston Rockets. Harden’s performance was a testament to his scoring prowess and ability to dominate games in the modern NBA era.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving weekend NBA games have provided countless memorable moments. From Shaq and Kobe’s dominance to Derrick Rose’s buzzer-beater and Steph Curry’s shooting clinic, fans can look forward to even more legendary moments to add to the holiday’s rich sports history.
