It was a Christmas many won’t forget because when you mix basketball and Christmas, it creates something truly special. Plenty of fans came out to watch the Dallas Mavericks face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA’s annual Christmas Day game. Many attendees weren’t just there to see Luka, Kyrie, and other stars, but also to enjoy the festive atmosphere, with fans dressing up in pajamas, Santa costumes, or even as the Grinch.
Some familiar faces were in attendance for the game, including former Mavericks center Shawn Bradley and the Dallas Cowboys’ own Micah Parsons. When asked about his favorite Christmas gift, Parsons shared:
My favorite gift today would have to be the memorabilia my family put together. They mocked up my whole journey from high school to now, laminated it, and put it into frames. It was pretty beautiful.”
Many fans expressed that their favorite part of Christmas was being at the Mavs game. One fan, Cameron Blair, who wore a Morehouse jacket, shared a special moment with his firstborn at their first-ever Mavericks game on Christmas:
Many fans expressed that their favorite part of Christmas was being at the Mavs game. One fan, Cameron Blair, who wore a Morehouse jacket, shared a special moment with his firstborn at their first-ever Mavericks game on Christmas:
“Today at the Mavericks game with my firstborn, just having a good time—this is my favorite Christmas so far.”
He added “It means a lot for the Mavs to play on Christmas. It’s a great opportunity for the city of Dallas to come out and have an event to enjoy. Christmas Day has always been special for the NBA, so the fact that the Mavs get to be a highlighted team is really important.”
Another gift for fans was witnessing history in the making as shooting guard Klay Thompson for the Dallas Mavericks surpassed NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller, one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history, to claim 5th place on the all-time three-point shots made list. Thompson shared his thoughts on the achievement:
Honestly, it’s a dream come true, and I’m going to celebrate tonight because of all the hours you spend shooting and all the shots you got up in a lifetime—it’s super surreal for me, especially as a ’90s baby. I watched him hit so many game-winners against the best who ever played, leaving it all out on the floor.
But the celebration wasn’t just about the fans. The Mavericks also took the opportunity to honor Cynt Marshall, celebrating her incredible career as the team’s CEO from 2018 to 2024. The Dallas Mavericks presented Cynt with a signed jersey featuring her name on the back and the number 7, symbolizing the seven years she has spent with the organization.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, newly announced CEO Rick Welts, and Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont joined her for the ceremony. The gift was presented at center court during a timeout, followed by a standing ovation from the crowd in recognition of all her contributions. Cynt ceremonially handed the baton to the new CEO, marking the official passing of the guard for the Mavericks as many celebrated this significant moment.
While Dallas ultimately lost the game 105-99 despite a strong comeback in the fourth, many fans felt they still won in countless other ways.
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