CLEVELAND, Ohio — This Christmas morning, children across the nation will eagerly unwrap basketballs, sneakers, and perhaps even new hoops for their driveways, dreaming of moments on the court reminiscent of the great Madison Square Garden. The atmosphere of the holiday season is palpable, and on this day, the NBA takes center stage, reminding everyone of the joy the game can bring, especially to young fans.
For the Cleveland Cavaliers, returning to the Christmas spotlight for the first time since 2018, this message holds special significance. Head coach Kenny Atkinson reflected on his role during a recent game, admitting that amidst the pressures of competition, he can sometimes forget the essence of the game. After witnessing his team maintain a 23-point lead over the New Orleans Pelicans only to see it cut down in the fourth quarter, he felt his frustration rising before star player Darius Garland reminded him, “It is a kids’ game, and there’s got to be joy in the game.” This simple gesture highlighted the importance of nurturing their passion amidst the competitive landscape.
Garland’s input underscores a vital element within the Cavaliers’ locker room: the importance of joy in their performance. For younger players like Jaylon Tyson, the connection between joy and success resonates deeply. “When you play free… it makes everything easier,” Tyson noted, acknowledging that the shared love for the game among teammates creates a better environment to face adversity.
Christmas Day game adds layers of nostalgia and excitement, allowing players and fans alike to momentarily recapture the innocence of childhood dreams. Thomas Bryant, a veteran of the team, echoed the sentiment, recalling how, as a child, he envisioned playing in such high-profile matchups, while also recognizing the need to balance enjoyment with responsibilities.
The back-and-forth of joy and competitiveness is a quintessential aspect of the Christmas Day games. Atkinson considers it the NBA’s purest moment, stating the occasion demands all players to be at their best. He acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead against a strong Knicks team but expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity for celebration on such a special day.
Atkinson also spoke to the importance of leadership in maintaining positivity through the season’s ups and downs, particularly highlighting the positivity of star player Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell exemplifies a sense of togetherness that extends beyond the court—recently gifting his teammates gaming consoles, reinforcing the camaraderie that fosters a joyful environment.
This perspective on joy in basketball resonates beyond the Cavaliers, reaching opposing teams, as Pelicans coach James Borrego shared how stepping away from coaching helped him rediscover the purity of the game through the eyes of his children. He emphasized the need for joy amid the competition, a sentiment that resonates across players and coaches alike.
Kenny Atkinson’s growth as a coach reflects this balancing act of competitive spirit and enjoying the moment, a transformation noted by Warriors coach Steve Kerr. Under Kerr’s mentorship, Atkinson has learned to navigate the complexities of leadership within the high-pressure context of the NBA without losing the essence of why they all started playing the game.
As the Cavaliers gear up for their Christmas Day clash against the Knicks, the matchup becomes more than just a game; it’s a chance to celebrate the purity of basketball, to protect joy through the grind of the season, and to honor the love for the sport that brings smiles, both on and off the court.