For the third consecutive year, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors faced off in the Christmas Day showdown. The game was a thrilling back-and-forth battle that saw the Warriors emerge victorious at home, winning 99-92 and snapping a two-game losing streak. Kevin Durant played a pivotal role, scoring 25 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and blocking 5 shots.

Draymond Green recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Klay Thompson added 24 points and 7 rebounds. For the Cavaliers, LeBron James, the “King,” contributed 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Kevin Love put up 31 points and 18 rebounds, and Jae Crowder added 15 points and 6 rebounds. Despite the Warriors’ 11-game winning streak being snapped recently, they still managed to defeat the tough Cavaliers, who were missing Stephen Curry due to injury. Curry’s absence left a noticeable gap in the Warriors’ lineup, but Green and Durant’s stellar performances helped lead the team to victory.

A pivotal moment came in the final minutes when Durant and James faced off in a highly controversial play. With 1:11 left in the game, James drove to the basket against Durant’s defense. Durant, using his body to hold off James, caused the King to lose his balance and fumble the ball out of bounds. This defensive play by Durant earned him a crucial possession for the Warriors.

Later, when the Cavaliers attempted another offensive play, James once again drove into the paint. Durant leapt high to block James’ shot with his long arms, disrupting LeBron’s attempt to finish. After reviewing the play in slow motion, the referees ruled that James, after being blocked, had touched the ball again, awarding possession to the Warriors.

Meanwhile, Green’s triple-double made him the sixth player in NBA history to achieve this feat on Christmas Day, joining a list that includes Russell Westbrook (2013), LeBron James (2010), Billy Cunningham (1970), John Havlicek (1967), and Oscar Robertson (four times). This was Green’s 20th career triple-double, tying him with Tom Gola for the Warriors’ franchise record.

Notably, when Green recorded his triple-double, the Warriors’ record stood at an undefeated 20-0. Furthermore, in the past 29 games where a Warriors player has achieved a triple-double, the team has won every single one. Much like the intense moments of a BD Cricket Match, every move, every play, and every decision can have a game-changing impact. For the Warriors, these performances highlight the team’s ability to pull together and rise to the occasion, ensuring that even without Curry, their championship aspirations remain intact.