In an unprecedented NBA scheduling twist, the Milwaukee Bucks find themselves on an extended holiday escapade in the heart of New York, making Christmas at home a mere afterthought for forward Bobby Portis. Christmas trees may stand undecorated, gifts waiting patiently for their recipients as the Bucks embark on a “Bucks’ Triple-Play Christmas,” a festive road trip like no other.
Bucks’ Triple-Play Christmas Extravaganza in NYC
As the Bucks prepare for consecutive early afternoon face-offs with the New York Knicks, followed by a clash with the Brooklyn Nets, the basketball world is witnessing a yuletide anomaly. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, this marks only the second instance in NBA history where a team is slated to play three consecutive road games in the New York metro area, and remarkably, it aligns with the joyous occasion of Christmas.
The anticipation is palpable among the Bucks players, who are finding silver linings in this unorthodox journey. Bobby Portis humorously lamented the fate of his Christmas presents, slated to linger under his tree for days after the holiday. Despite the quirks, the team is determined to make the most of this unusual trip, with guard Pat Connaughton expressing gratitude for spending Christmas in the iconic city that never sleeps.
The Bucks’ roster is not alone in this festive migration; many players are bringing their families along for the ride. Guard Malik Beasley, determined to infuse the holiday spirit into his hotel suite, plans to set up an artificial tree. Rookie Andre Jackson Jr. is eager to reconnect with his roots, contemplating a trip upstate to visit his grandmother. Meanwhile, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is turning the excursion into a family affair, with relatives joining in for what he envisions as a colossal Christmas party.
Adding a touch of Broadway glamour to the mix, Antetokounmpo even floated the idea of catching a show in the bustling city. The festivities, however, face a peculiar challenge, with the Bucks scheduled for early afternoon games against the Knicks. The noon tip-off on Christmas Day raises questions about the timing of holiday celebrations, prompting guard Malik Beasley to quip about the impracticality of opening presents at 7 a.m. for a noon game.
Despite the logistical challenges and the unorthodox schedule, the Bucks cherish the privilege of playing on Christmas Day. Bobby Portis, reflecting on his childhood memories of watching basketball legends like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett on Christmas, recognizes the significance of the moment. Star guard Damian Lillard echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the special opportunity to showcase their talents on such a celebrated day.
For these athletes, the allure of playing in New York on Christmas is an added layer of excitement. As Malik Beasley nostalgically envisions watching future games with his children, he plans to say, “Look, Daddy played in the NBA on Christmas in Madison Square Garden.” The Bucks’ holiday odyssey, though unconventional, is shaping up to be a memorable chapter in NBA history, blending the magic of Christmas with the thrill of the game in the iconic city that never sleeps.
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