Houston Rockets look to Christmas magic against Lakers to turn around turbulent season
The Houston Rockets have established a notable tradition of competing on Christmas Day, a legacy that dates back to the franchise’s inception. In fact, the Rockets, originally the San Diego Rockets, made their Christmas debut in the 1967 season, a time when the NBA was still in its formative years. Back then, the roster was filled with names like Dave Gambee, Bud Acton, and Jim Ware—players who have faded from the collective memory of most fans today.
Historic First Matchup
In that inaugural Christmas game, televised NBA matches were a rarity, making it likely that few witnessed the action unfold. However, one name stands out from that early roster: Pat Riley. Though his impact came later as one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, Riley’s participation in that first matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers lends a rich narrative to the Rockets’ Christmas history.
Fast forward 36 years, and the Rockets faced off against the Lakers once more, this time as the Houston Rockets. The game in 2003 showcased a talented squad led by Steve Francis and Yao Ming, who collectively scored 40 points to guide the team to a 99-87 victory. The Lakers, featuring the legendary duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal alongside Gary Payton, were on the verge of a disappointing postseason, eventually losing in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons that year.
Recent Christmas Challenges
Over the years, the Rockets have participated in 12 Christmas Day games, holding a balanced record of 6-6. Their most recent appearance came in the 2019 season, when they entered the contest against the Golden State Warriors with a promising 20-9 record, seeking redemption after a bitter playoff exit. However, the Rockets suffered a surprising defeat to a Warriors team that was struggling without stars like Stephen Curry, marking the beginning of a disappointing season that ultimately culminated in another playoff exit, this time at the hands of the defending champion Lakers.
Current Season Struggles
As the Rockets gear up for their Christmas Day matchup against the Lakers this year, they find themselves in a precarious position. Currently, the team is mired in a difficult stretch, having gone 4-6 in March and looking to snap a two-game losing streak. With the Lakers standing just 1.5 games ahead of the Rockets for the coveted fourth seed in the playoffs, every game carries increasing significance as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
A victory over the Lakers not only offers the Rockets a chance to improve their standing but also allows them to maintain their perfect Christmas record against this storied franchise. As they seek to reverse their recent fortunes, the Rockets are hoping for a dose of holiday magic to reignite their season and build momentum as they head into the final stretch.
