NBA
Christmas Day action around the NBA
![Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari hits Clippers forward Blake Griffin in the face during Tuesday's 112-100 Los Angeles win.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/26/2012-12-26-blake-griffin2-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari hits Clippers forward Blake Griffin in the face during Tuesday's 112-100 Los Angeles win.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports![Rockets guard Jeremy Lin drives to the basket as Bulls guard Nate Robinson leaps behind him during Houston's 120-97 win Tuesday.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/gty-158715965-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Rockets guard Jeremy Lin drives to the basket as Bulls guard Nate Robinson leaps behind him during Houston's 120-97 win Tuesday.
David Banks, Getty Images![Heat forward LeBron James, right, boxes out Thunder forward Kevin Durant during Tuesday's 103-97 Miami win.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-oklahoma-city-thunder-at-miami-heat_001-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Heat forward LeBron James, right, boxes out Thunder forward Kevin Durant during Tuesday's 103-97 Miami win.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports![Lakers guard Kobe Bryant drives through the defense of Knicks guard J.R. Smith during Los Angeles' 100-94 win Tuesday.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/ap-knicks-lakers-basketball-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant drives through the defense of Knicks guard J.R. Smith during Los Angeles' 100-94 win Tuesday.
Alex Gallardo, AP![Celtics center Kevin Garnett and Nets forward Gerald Wallace get tangled up and exchange words during Boston's 93-76 win.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/gty-158710899-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Celtics center Kevin Garnett and Nets forward Gerald Wallace get tangled up and exchange words during Boston's 93-76 win.
Mike Stobe, Getty Images![Heat forward Chris Bosh drives between Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha, left, and center Kendrick Perkins.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/ap-thunder-heat-basketball-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Heat forward Chris Bosh drives between Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha, left, and center Kendrick Perkins.
J Pat Carter, AP![Rockets guard James Harden, right, shoots a look at teammate Jeremy Lin.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-houston-rockets-at-chicago-bulls_003-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Rockets guard James Harden, right, shoots a look at teammate Jeremy Lin.
Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports![Clippers center DeAndre Jordan rebounds the ball against Nuggets center Kosta Koufos.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/26/2012-12-26-deandre-jordan-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Clippers center DeAndre Jordan rebounds the ball against Nuggets center Kosta Koufos.
Victor Decolongon, Getty Images![Lakers dancers show off Christmas duds.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-new-york-knicks-at-los-angeles-lakers_003-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Lakers dancers show off Christmas duds.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports![Celtics center Kevin Garnett tries to steal the ball from Nets center Brook Lopez.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-boston-celtics-at-brooklyn-nets_004-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Celtics center Kevin Garnett tries to steal the ball from Nets center Brook Lopez.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports![Thunder coach Scott Brooks makes a call.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/gty-158713186-3_4.jpg?width=496&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Thunder coach Scott Brooks makes a call.
Marc Serota, Getty Images![Rockets guard James Harden drives between Bulls forward Jimmy Butler, left, and guard Kirk Hinrich.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/ap-rockets-bulls-basketball-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Rockets guard James Harden drives between Bulls forward Jimmy Butler, left, and guard Kirk Hinrich.
Paul Beaty, AP![Lakers guard Kobe Bryant wore colorful shoes.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-new-york-knicks-at-los-angeles-lakers_001-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant wore colorful shoes.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports![Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) hangs on to the basket after a dunk.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/26/2012-12-26-blake-griffin3-3_4.jpg?width=496&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) hangs on to the basket after a dunk.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports![Nets guard Joe Johnson tries to make a move while defended by the Celtics' Paul Pierce.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-boston-celtics-at-brooklyn-nets_003-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Nets guard Joe Johnson tries to make a move while defended by the Celtics' Paul Pierce.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports![Heat guard Dwyane Wade reaches for a ball between Thunder center Nick Collison, right, and guard Russell Westbrook.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/gallerylooseball-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Heat guard Dwyane Wade reaches for a ball between Thunder center Nick Collison, right, and guard Russell Westbrook.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports![Knicks guard J.R. Smith shoots as Lakers guard Kobe Bryant tries to block him.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-new-york-knicks-at-los-angeles-lakers_002-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Knicks guard J.R. Smith shoots as Lakers guard Kobe Bryant tries to block him.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports![Clippers center DeAndre Jordan reacts to a basket in the first half against the Nuggets.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/26/2012-12-26-deandre-jordan2-3_4.jpg?width=496&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Clippers center DeAndre Jordan reacts to a basket in the first half against the Nuggets.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports![Celtics guard Rajon Rondo goes for a layup under pressure from the Nets' Keith Bogans.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/rondolayup-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Celtics guard Rajon Rondo goes for a layup under pressure from the Nets' Keith Bogans.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports![Heat forward LeBron James bares his teeth.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/gty-158713184-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Heat forward LeBron James bares his teeth.
Marc Serota, Getty Images![Nuggets guard Ty Lawson is fouled by Clippers forward Matt Barnes.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/26/2012-12-26-ty-lawson-3_4.jpg?width=496&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Nuggets guard Ty Lawson is fouled by Clippers forward Matt Barnes.
Jason Redmond, Associated Press![Lakers guard Steve Nash shows off his unique haircut during warmups.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-new-york-knicks-at-los-angeles-lakers-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Lakers guard Steve Nash shows off his unique haircut during warmups.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports![Nets centers Brook Lopez and Andray Blatch congratulate Deron Williams after Williams hit a shot in the first quarter.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-boston-celtics-at-brooklyn-nets-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Nets centers Brook Lopez and Andray Blatch congratulate Deron Williams after Williams hit a shot in the first quarter.
Brad Penner, USA TODAY Sports![Lakers guard Kobe Bryant squares up against Knicks guard Jason Kidd.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/afp-516159868-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant squares up against Knicks guard Jason Kidd.
Robyn Beck, AFP/Getty Images![Clippers power forward Blake Griffin and Denver Nuggets center Kosta Koufos battle under the basket.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/26/2012-12-26-nuggets-clippers-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Clippers power forward Blake Griffin and Denver Nuggets center Kosta Koufos battle under the basket.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea, USA TODAY Sports![Bulls dancers perform in Christmas garb.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-houston-rockets-at-chicago-bulls_001-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Bulls dancers perform in Christmas garb.
Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports![Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich adjusts his glasses.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-houston-rockets-at-chicago-bulls_002-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich adjusts his glasses.
Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports![Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha stares down Heat guard Dwyane Wade.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-oklahoma-city-thunder-at-miami-heat_002-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Thunder guard Thabo Sefolosha stares down Heat guard Dwyane Wade.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports![Celtics forward Paul Pierce drives to the basket against Nets forward Gerald Wallace.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/gty-158710684-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=370&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Celtics forward Paul Pierce drives to the basket against Nets forward Gerald Wallace.
Mike Stobe, Getty Images![Lakers guard Kobe Bryant goes up for a difficult layup.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-new-york-knicks-at-los-angeles-lakers_004-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=372&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant goes up for a difficult layup.
Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports![Thunder guard Russell Westbrook passes away from Heat guard Mario Chalmers.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/usp-nba_-oklahoma-city-thunder-at-miami-heat_003-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Thunder guard Russell Westbrook passes away from Heat guard Mario Chalmers.
Steve Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports![Bulls forward Jimmy Butler drives to the basket.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/galleryrocketsbulls-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Bulls forward Jimmy Butler drives to the basket.
Jerry Lai, USA TODAY Sports![Nets guard Deron Williams crosses up Celtics guard Rajon Rondo.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.usatoday.com/gcdn/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2012/12/25/gty-158710897-16_9.jpg?width=660&height=374&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Nets guard Deron Williams crosses up Celtics guard Rajon Rondo.
Mike Stobe, Getty ImagesFeatured Weekly Ad