Picture this: it's Christmas time, and you're eagerly awaiting the joy of opening presents under a beautifully decorated tree. But for Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and his teammates, this holiday season is a bit different. They find themselves embarking on an extended visit to the bustling streets of New York City. And so, Portis admits that he didn't bother getting a Christmas tree for his home this year. Why? Because they'll be away, playing basketball and spreading cheer in the Big Apple.
Now, NBA players are no strangers to spending Christmas away from the comfort of their homes. It's become somewhat of a norm in their line of work. But let me tell you, no team has ever had a holiday trip quite like the one the Bucks are experiencing. They have not one, not two, but three consecutive road games in the New York metro area, with two of them falling right on Christmas Day. Talk about taking the show on the road!
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, this unique schedule marks only the second time in NBA history that a team has played three straight road games in the New York area. And to make it even more special, it's the first time this has coincided with the festive holiday itself. The Washington Wizards came close in March 2021 with two games against the Knicks and one against the Nets, but the Bucks are taking it to a whole new level.
But fear not, dear readers, for the Bucks are determined to make the best of this unusual trip. As Bucks guard Pat Connaughton puts it, 'Aside from home, there's no place like New York on Christmas, right?' They know they're fortunate to be able to spend the holiday season in such an iconic city, brimming with holiday spirit. And to add to the celebration, many of the Bucks' families will be joining them, creating a joyous gathering that rivals even the most epic of Christmas parties.
Players like Malik Beasley, known for his resourcefulness, plan to bring an artificial tree to their hotel suites to maintain the festive ambiance. And rookie Andre Jackson Jr., hailing from the nearby town of Amsterdam, New York, hopes to squeeze in a visit to his grandmother upstate. As for Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP is excited to have his extended family by his side, turning this trip into a grand celebration worthy of the holiday season.
In a delightful twist, Giannis' younger brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, who plays for the NBA G League's Wisconsin Herd, will also be in the area, facing off against the Long Island Nets on December 27. The family might even consider catching a Broadway show while they’re at it – talk about a New York experience!
But here's another interesting wrinkle in this scheduled holiday adventure: both of the Bucks' games against the Knicks are early afternoon matchups. A noon tip-off on Christmas Day poses a bit of a challenge when it comes to planning the perfect balance between playing basketball and savoring the festivities. Bucks guard Malik Beasley suggests that opening presents at 7 a.m. might be a tad bit too early. It seems they'll have to wait until after the game to truly indulge in the Christmas spirit and enjoy the gift-giving tradition.
Make no mistake, though – despite the adjustments and the lengthy stay in the city that never sleeps, the Bucks are cherishing this opportunity to play on Christmas. Just like Bobby Portis, who fondly recalls his own childhood memories of watching Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett play on this special day, the players understand the privilege they have been granted. And for someone like Damian Lillard, a seven-time all-NBA player who has only played on Christmas once before, it's an even more significant occasion.
Playing on Christmas Day is a chance to showcase their skills in front of a nationwide audience, but playing in New York City on Christmas adds an extra layer of magic to the whole experience. As Malik Beasley shares, sitting down with future generations, his own kids, and pointing at the screen, he will be able to say, 'Look, Daddy played in the NBA on Christmas in Madison Square Garden.' Now that's a story for the ages!
So, as the Milwaukee Bucks head to the concrete jungle for their Christmas excursion, let's join them in embracing the holiday cheer and the joy of basketball. It's a once-in-a-lifetime trip that guarantees a festive celebration both on and off the court. And who knows, perhaps this unprecedented voyage will become a cherished memory that the Bucks and their families will recount for years to come.
