The Washington Wizards haven’t played a Christmas game since 2017.
While other teams have been go-to picks for the holiday games lately, the Wizards were one of those teams back in their glory days. The Wizards hold a 16-7 record on Christmas Day.
The Early Days
Their games date back to their days as the Chicago Packers in the 1960s. The franchise came into existence at the start of the 1961-62 season. The Packers took the win over the Detroit Pistons 118-97. Walt Bellamy played the role of Saint Nick, delivering the win behind his 35 points. Slick Leonard and Ralph Davis both scored 20 apiece to help.
After one season, the team was renamed the Zephyrs. Then, it moved to Baltimore and was renamed the Bullets, where they played in eight consecutive Christmas games from 1964-71, five consecutive from 1973-77, and four consecutive from 1979-82. During those days, the Bullets were led by Wes Unseld Sr. and Elvin Hayes.
But perhaps the most memorable game in franchise history was Moses Malone’s 28-21-3-5 game with the Bullets in 1986.
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If you look back even further in league history, there was a Baltimore Bullets team (not affiliated with today’s Wizards team) in 1947 that played on Christmas Day as well. Back when the league was the BAA, the Baltimore Bullets beat the Chicago Stags 87-70. That team also won the BAA championship that same season.
While the days of the Wizards playing in a Christmas game may not happen in the near future, there is a lot to be thankful for this holiday season with the team. A young talent, growing with a sense of excitement, is starting to hover around the team. When they finally earn the prestige to be back playing on Christmas, the Wizards will be there for a while.
John Wall–Bradley Beal Era
As mentioned at the top, the last time the Wizards played was in 2017 against the Boston Celtics.
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John Wall and Bradley Beal were tearing up the league as a top backcourt. Jayson Tatum was only a rookie. Jaylen Brown was in his second season. Beal, Wall, and Otto Porter Jr. all had 20+ point games to gift wrap the win for Washington.
That era for Washington basketball was a great time. Wall, with his dynamic playmaking, and Beal, with his sharpshooting, were an exciting team during the 2010s. It is no surprise that the team was chosen to play a Christmas game.
Those days are gone now that Wall is retired and Beal is on the Los Angeles Clippers. Many fans felt the organization did not do right by the duo by failing to build a championship-caliber roster. Wall was looked at as a top point guard in the league, and the team definitely could’ve maximized his talent more.
When will the Wizards play on Christmas Day next?
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