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Controversy Over Christmas Day Games

(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Getty Images

The NBA has five games scheduled on Christmas Day tomorrow, but not everyone is happy about that. You might have heard by now that Lakers coach Phil Jackson isn't a big fan of games being held on December 25. From FanHouse:

"I don't think anybody should play on Christmas Day,'' Jackson said. "Soccer teams don't play this time of year... I agree (with the NHL also not playing). I don't understand it. ... You just have to keep reminding (the NBA) that this is a special day.''

Doc Rivers, on the other hand, sees some positives and some negatives. From ESPN Boston:

"Honestly, when you play on Christmas Day, some guys are upset over it because you can't spend time with your family," Rivers said. "I look at it as a privilege. The fact that they asked us to play on Christmas means we're one of the good teams, one of the featured teams. I wish they would reduce the games on Christmas. I thought it was more special when it was two games. Now it's up to five, six, or seven games. That's too many."

As for the players, Celtics rookies Luke Harangody and Avery Bradley and guard Nate Robinson all expressed excitement when asked about playing on Christmas Day. From CSNNE:

"It really is a big deal," Harangody said of playing on Christmas. "I mean, how many players get to be a part of something like this their first year? It's a national stage, being on a team like this ... I'm very lucky."

"It's an honor," said Bradley, who added, "It really opens my eyes to the fact that the team that I'm on is really important. To play on Christmas means a lot. I'm just excited."

So, what do you think? Should the NBA continue its tradition of holding games on Christmas Day? Will you be watching tomorrow? 

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