Knicks have played on Christmas a record 56 times; Hornets not once

If you love Christmas and you love the Knicks, then you get a special present just about every year.

That’s because the Knicks have played on Christmas Day a record 56 times since their inception in 1946. That includes the very first NBA Christmas game, on Dec. 25., 1947, when they beat the Providence Steamrollers by an 89-75 count.

Speaking of the Steamrollers, they appeared in a Christmas Day game, but the Charlotte Hornets have not. The Hornets remain the only modern team to have never played on Christmas. That said, what have they ever really done to warrant an appearance?

Anyway, the Knicks not only are the NBA leaders in Christmas Day games, but they may lead any team in any sport anywhere in the category.

Fittingly, a former Knick holds the record for most points in Christmas Day game — and that would be none other than Bernard King, who erupted for 60 against the New Jersey Nets. King remains among the most underrated players ever and it remains an absolute basketball travesty that he was left off the NBA’s top 75 list in favor of the likes of Dennis Rodman and Damian Lillard.

So bah humbug to that. But Merry Christmas once again, Knicks fans. And sorry Hornets fans, but this year, you’re again getting coal.

Knicks are playing for an NBA-high 56th time on Christmas today. The franchise's first game was on Christmas Day in 1947. They are 23-32 overall on Christmas Day. NYK's Bernard King has the Christmas Day scoring record (60pts in loss to NJN in '84). Wilt Chamberlain had an X-Mas…

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) December 25, 2023