Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal met for the first time as opponents on Christmas in 2004 and their classic battle is a deserving headliner for today’s “Daily Flashback” for December 25, 2010. We also look back at Michael Jordan and the Bulls beating up on the Knicks in 1992 and Tracy McGrady exploding for 44 in Orlando’s win over Detroit in 2002.
I know it’s not Christmas yet but since almost nothing relevant has occurred in NBA history on Christmas Eve - except for the Celtics grabbing an NBA record 109 rebounds against the Pistons in 1960 - I’m shooting for Christmas Day games this afternoon and will post a new Flashback on Sunday.
Welcome back to my daily column where I look back at the current day in NBA history and choose five games or incidents that occurred on that day and deliver video and box scores for you to view at your leisure.
If you wish to view previous editions of my “Daily Flashback” please scroll down to the end of this column.
To view the box-score and video clip (if available) just click on the bold text directing you to that link.
Enjoy!
(NOTE: photos to the left of each headliner do not necessarily represent the specific game or incident mentioned)
December 25, 2004 - Kobe and Shaq meet as opponents for the first time
This was no ordinary regular season game, folks. Shaq had been traded to the Heat after years of Kobe-Shaq feuds and O’Neal and Bryant were not on speaking terms by game time. O’Neal is quoted as saying before the game *“When you’ve got a Corvette that runs into a brick wall, you know what’s going to happen.” *in reference to how he would treat Kobe when he drove to the bucket.
Those are definitely fightin’ words.
The Heat prevailed 104-102 in overtime after Kobe missed a potential game-winning shot. O’Neal scored 24 points and Bryant pumped in 42 while playing 50 minutes.
Oh, and a guy named Dwyane Wade added 29.
December 25, 1992 - Jordan drops 42 as Bulls stifle Knicks
Jordan and Pippen led a decisive defensive effort against the Knicks in this one, holding New York to just .378 shooting from the floor and recording fourteen steals in Chicago’s 89-77 victory.
That’s not to say that the Knicks didn’t play defense - they forced the Bulls into abysmal shooting percentages as well - but when you have Jordan on your team the chances of scoring no matter the pressure become that much greater.
December 25, 2002 - Tracy McGrady torches Pistons for 46
VIEW A MCGRADY DUNK COMPILATION CLIP HERE
In his heyday there were few who compared to McGrady offensively - he may have been the most unstoppable force in the NBA for a 2-3 year stretch and the Pistons ran smack into the dynamite version.
McGrady posted his 46 points on 14-26 shooting and 18-21 freebies as the Magic defeated the favored Pistons 104-99.
December 25, 2003 - T-Mac and LeBron James go head-to-head for the first time
I had actually forgotten about this classic matchup between James and McGrady.
The rookie version of LeBron held his own (34 points) against superstar Tracy McGrady (41 points) as the Magic defeated the Cavs in overtime 113-101.
After this game most of us hoped for a potential rivalry between these two for years to come - you disappointed us, T-Mac.
December 25, 1987 - Dominique Wilkins pours in 45 in duel with Barkley
VIEW A VIDEO OF TOP NIQUE DUNKS HERE
Dominique Wilkins was at his high-flying best at this point and the Hawks prevailed 106-101 in this Christmas matchup between Charles Barkley and the 76ers.
Wilkins nailed 17-28 field goal attempts and 11-12 free-throws and was aided by current Celtics coach Doc Rivers who poured in 19 points of his own while dishing out 11 assists.
PREVIOUS FLASHBACKS
DECEMBER 23, 2010: Kobe Bryant becomes youngest to 20,000 points - CLICK HERE
DECEMBER 22, 2010: Bill Russell makes NBA debut - CLICK HERE
DECEMBER 21, 2010: Jordan and Pippen torch the Hawks - CLICK HERE
Have a great Christmas everyone and I’ll see you on Sunday.