There’s been a lot of chatter about the NBA still relying on old heads to sell its product. This narrative became all the more apparent on Christmas Day as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant were heavily showcased in promos and interviews across the networks.
But then, the games happened, and the young guns showed out.
The Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, 20, became the first player to record over 40 points, 15 rebounds and five made threes on Christmas Day, not to mention the most points by a center on Xmas since Wilt Chamberlain.
The Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, 23, capped off his 26-point performance with a clutch basket to seal the win for his team.
The 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey, 24, produced 33 points and 12 assists to shock the defending champion Celtics in their backyard.
Three of the league’s brightest young stars shone on the night when even casual fans tune in, as is historically the case on Christmas Day. As such, the league was able to showcase its future superstars to a wider audience — proving that it is in good hands when James, Curry and Durant hang up their jerseys.