NBA releases ‘The Gift of Game’ in new Christmas Day campaign

The NBA debuted its Christmas Day brand campaign: “The Gift of Game.’’ Celebrating the ageless tradition of basketball and capturing the magic of holiday hoops. “The Gift of Game’’ is now streaming across all @NBA platforms and on the NBA App. Read the full transcript below:

‘Twas the night before NBA on Christmas Day when all through the house, a family of fans would soon discover many players stirring and running about. 

Because beneath the stockings hung by the chimney with care, a basketball game had begun, and St. Nick (in his Nike Kobe 6 Reverse Grinches) had indeed been there. 

Our family was nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of 3-pointers danced in their heads, 

When down the stairs arose such fanfare and clatter, they sprang from their beds to see what was the matter.  

What to their wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature hoop and ten toys in NBA gear.   

With a tomahawk dunk so spectacular and insane they knew in a moment it must be King James.

Tatum hit a three with the flick of his wrist, and Jalen Brunson brought his gift with another assist.

They whistled and shouted at Joel’s celebration and Giannis, Luka and Joker’s toy recreations 

When the game had concluded they returned to their boxes out of sight, 

Exclaiming Merry Christmas to all, and from Steph Curry “Night, night!”

In extra vignettes, the family watches on gleefully as Curry challenges Jokic to a game of Ho-Ho-Horse, which The Joker takes a little too literally. Meanwhile, Luka and KD compare kicks, sizing up the Nike KD18 Ms. Wanda and the Jordan Brand Luka 2 ‘Field Trip,’ only to discover they have been outshined by grandpa, wearing the Nike Kobe 6 Protro, ‘Reverse Grinch,’ secured before its public release on December 15th. 

Players in the cast of toys include NBA action figures of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jimmy Butler, Jalen Brunson, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, Luka Dončić, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Nikola Jokić and Jayson Tatum.

The new Christmas Day campaign was co-produced with Translation, directed by Dave Scanlon with live-action and animation by Passion Pictures.

The NBA will feature five matches on Christmas Day (Dec. 25), with all matchups shown on ABC/ESPN for the 16th straight year. The Bucks play the Knicks to tip off the 76th edition of NBA on Christmas Day (noon ET, ESPN).

The next matchup features two of the most recent recipients of the Larry O’Brien Trophy as the 2022 champion Warriors visit the 2023 champion Nuggets (2:30 ET, ABC/ESPN).

Then in primetime, longtime rivals Lakers & Celtics meet on Christmas Day for the first time in 15 years (5 ET, ABC/ESPN). 

The Christmas Day schedule ends with the 76ers taking on the Heat in Miami (8 ET, ESPN) and caps off with the Mavericks playing the Suns in Phoenix (10:30 ET, ESPN).

Related NBA Christmas Day News:

NBA announces 5 Christmas Day games.