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James Harden announces Knicks-Sixers Christmas Day matchup at the Garden

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 27: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball back to Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in front of RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 27: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers passes the ball back to Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers in front of RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on February 27, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
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The 2022-23 NBA schedule hasn’t been released yet, but on Sunday evening, the Christmas Day schedule was announced. To no surprise, the New York Knicks will take the court at Madison Square Garden on Dec. 25. In fact, it was Philadelphia Sixers guard James Harden who announced the matchup on Twitter.

The Knicks have played on Christmas more than any other team in the NBA with 54 games played (23-31). Last Christmas, New York hosted the Atlanta Hawks and won, 101-87. Kemba Walker posted a triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Julius Randle finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds.

Things will look a lot different this Christmas, as Walker won’t be taking the court for the Knicks. And this year, New York will be going up against Philadelphia on the holiday.

James Harden tweets about Christmas Day game between Knicks-Sixers

Harden beat out reporters with the news that he and his teammates will be in NYC on Dec. 25. Since Harden was traded to the Sixers from the Nets in February, it’ll be his first Christmas Day game with Philadelphia. Here’s to hoping that it’ll result in a loss for him and the Sixers.

Instead of having Kemba Walker take the floor as New York’s starting point guard, it’ll be Jalen Brunson. And depending on how things go over the next few weeks, Donovan Mitchell could be rounding out the Knicks’ backcourt. The game will already be a must-watch, but Mitchell’s addition would take the competition to the next level.

Philadelphia’s had a solid offseason that included Harden taking a pay cut so that the front office would have more space to sign free agents P.J. Tucker, Danuel House Jr., and Trevelin Queen. The Sixers are in pursuit of a championship with Harden and Joel Embiid at the helm, so the Knicks spoiling their holiday would be extra sweet.

Go ahead and mark your calendars. Oh, and you too, Rex.

It might be time to embrace new traditions, like the Knicks actually being an exciting team. That might be too hard for people like Rex to admit.

Nonetheless, with the season around the corner, it’s time to get ready for some basketball. Is it Dec. 25 yet?

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