An NBA Christmas

I write this bit every year: A quick preview of the games on the big NBA holiday, an invitation to chat with us about basketball, celebrations, food, family or whatever’s on your mind. As you all know who have been reading for any length of time, I’m Jewish, so Christmas isn’t my thing.

NBA Capsules

Russell Westbrook had his 14th triple-double of the season and his third straight 40-point game, finishing with 45 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 117-112 victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Westbrook missed his first five shots but scored the last seven points of the first half as the Thunder turned a three-point deficit into a four-point lead.

Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Dec. 23 Denver Nuggets

Mar 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap grabs a rebound over Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports The Atlanta Hawks travel to Denver Friday night to take on the Nuggets.

Hayward, Gobert lead Jazz past Grizzlies 82-73

Late in a physical, defensive showdown, the Utah Jazz discovered their 3-point shooting and broke open a close game. Gordon Hayward scored 22 points and Rudy Gobert had 21 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, helping the Jazz beat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-73 on Sunday night.