Draymond Green says NBA Christmas games cost players family time
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The Golden State Warriors dynasty was effectively established in 2014. The franchise has won four NBA championships in eight years.
This rise to prominence after decades of indifference, combined with a star-studded roster including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, has propelled the Warriors among the NBA’s important teams. This has made Golden State a regular choice to play on Christmas Day, and they have been in each of the last 13 seasons.
The Warriors last won the NBA Finals in 2022, and the roster has seen some turnover over the past few seasons, but Golden State was able to beat the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day last week. However, Green said he would prefer to take the day off.
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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts in the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. (William Liang/Imagn Images)
Green argued that scheduling games on Dec. 25 negatively impacted players’ ability to spend time with their families during the holidays.
“Playing on Christmas Day also sucks. And the reason it sucks is, No. 1, what I just said, it can affect your mood,” Draymond said on his podcast before this year’s Christmas game.
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“Number 2, we’re human beings and like everyone else, we enjoy Christmas Day with our families. It’s a bit of a mixed bag for us. Um, they’re at home or on vacation with their families, making memories.”
Draymond Green (23) of Golden State Warriors watches the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 20, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
“We don’t get that opportunity. So I hate when people say, ‘Oh my God, it’s an honor to play on Christmas Day.’ People should shut up. No, you should shut up, because whether you play on Christmas Day or not, I don’t really care about perspective.”
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) runs off the court after being ejected during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns on December 12, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Green was drafted in the second round in 2012, meaning he has spent every Christmas on the hardwood since his rookie season.
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While the NBA has shown no signs of ending its Christmas tradition, the league now faces competition from the NFL. This year, three NFL games went head-to-head in the NBA standings.
The Warriors defeated the Brooklyn Nets 120-107 on Monday. Golden State returns to the court for a matinee matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on New Year’s Eve.
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