The holiday season in Dallas has long been synonymous with thrilling basketball moments that capture the imagination of fans across the Metroplex.
From championship runs to stunning upsets, December basketball has delivered some of the most memorable scenes in DFW sports history — creating traditions that span generations and inspire new ones.
Iconic Moments During Holiday Games
The most iconic winter basketball memory in Dallas remains the 2010–11 Mavericks season, which began its championship trajectory during the December holiday stretch. That memorable season featured a crucial 12-game winning streak from Nov. 20 to Dec. 11, 2010, setting the foundation for one of the most remarkable playoff runs in NBA history.
The team’s resilience was on full display during its Christmas Day game against the Miami Heat on Dec. 25, 2011. Despite a 105-94 loss, the defending champions showed the grit that had carried them to their first title just months earlier.
During that championship season, Dallas demonstrated the kind of clutch performance that defines holiday basketball magic. The Mavericks’ ability to execute in pressure situations became their calling card, with veteran leadership from Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd providing the steady hand needed for championship-level play. These December games weren’t just regular season contests—they were proving grounds where champions were forged, much like how this sportsbook powered by an apparel giant has become a cornerstone of modern sports entertainment, connecting fans to the action they love most.
December Basketball Tradition
Christmas Day basketball has become a Mavericks tradition, with the team holding a 4–4 all-time record in the holiday showcase. Their most recent appearance came in a 105–99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves — a game that marked Luka Dončić’s final outing with the franchise before his trade to Los Angeles.
Dallas began a five-year run of Christmas Day games with Dončić in 2020, opening with a 138–115 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks followed with a 120–116 defeat against the Utah Jazz in 2021, then notched back-to-back wins — 124–115 over the Lakers in 2022 and 128–114 against the Phoenix Suns in 2023 — before last year’s loss to Minnesota closed the stretch.
The Christmas Day stage has consistently brought out the best in Mavericks stars — from Nowitzki’s 31-point Christmas debut in 2003 against Sacramento to Dončić recording a 50-point triple-double on the road in Phoenix, continuing to define the team’s winter legacy.
December Basketball Across DFW
December basketball in DFW also showcases the region’s deep talent development. The Arlington Classic and other holiday tournaments have long provided platforms for future stars to announce their presence. These December showcases have become essential proving grounds where college recruiters converge and young players make their reputations, helping sustain Texas basketball’s competitive edge at every level.
Looking ahead to December 2025, the basketball landscape in Dallas promises to deliver new memorable moments. The Mavericks are scheduled for another Christmas Day showcase — this time facing the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. The matchup represents the kind of high-profile holiday basketball that has become synonymous with the season, featuring established stars and emerging talents in a nationally televised spectacle.
The Mavericks enter the 2025 holiday season with renewed championship aspirations, with the arrival of Cooper Flagg to a veteran team that features Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson.
December games will once again serve as crucial measuring sticks, providing opportunities for the team to establish rhythm and chemistry heading into the second half of the season. With Irving’s ACL recovery being a pivotal factor in their season’s trajectory, his progression at that point of the calendar will be important to monitor as he nears a return.
What’s Next for 2025
The 2025 December basketball season in Dallas promises to blend nostalgia with innovation. The Mavericks’ Christmas Day game against the Warriors is expected to feature cutting-edge broadcast technology and enhanced fan experiences — all while maintaining the traditional holiday basketball atmosphere that makes these games special.
The evolution of basketball in the Dallas area continues to honor its December traditions while embracing new opportunities. Training facilities and youth leagues are scheduling intensive December programming to capitalize on school breaks, creating more chances for young players to develop their skills during the holiday season. That commitment to year-round development ensures the next generation of December basketball heroes is being prepared today.