New York, United States: LeBron James and Steph Curry served up a Christmas Day feast as their rivalry delivered another classic with the Los Angeles Lakers edging the Golden State Warriors 115-113 on Wednesday.
Curry made a stunning 31-foot three point throw with 7.1 seconds left on the clock to tie the game, only for Austin Reaves to win the game for the Lakers with a driving layup with 1.1 seconds left.
The 36-year-old Curry and James, three years his senior, had traded three-pointers down the stretch as fans were treated to a ding-dong finale from the two future Hall of Famers.
James put up 31 points and ten assists without the support of teammate Anthony Davis, who left the game in the first quarter after turning his ankle.
Game-winner Reaves enjoyed a triple double with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Curry’s 38 points included 8-15 three point shooting while Anthony Wiggins made 21 points and 12 rebounds, but Golden State fell to an 11th loss in 14 games.
“Today is the day of giving, and that’s what me and Steph continue to do and try to do for our fans, for our beautiful game,” said James.
“We don’t know how many times we’re going to be able to have this matchup. We try to give the game what it deserves, because it’s given us so much, we try to give it right back,” he added.
James was playing in a record 19th Christmas Day game and took the occasion to take a gentle swipe at the NFL’s encroachment on the day.
“I love the NFL but Christmas is our day,” he said.
76ers upset Celtics
Defending champions the Boston Celtics (22-8) lost back-to-back games for the first time this season when they were upset at home by the Philadelphia 76ers 118-114.
Injury-prone 76ers star Joel Embiid hurt his ankle in a pregame fall but was able to start and showed his importance with 27 points, nine rebounds and the game clinching free throws at the end to clinch the win for the 11-17 Philadelphia.
Tyres Maxey scored 33 points and made 12 assists with his 13 points in the fourth quarter crucial as Philadelphia, who had led by 16 at the break, recovered from Boston’s third quarter rally.
Jayson Tatum top scored for the Celtics with 32 points and also grabbed 15 rebounds.
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