NBA Highs & Lows: Christmas Ratings, Records & Reality

This week on The Baseline NBA Podcast, we break down the highs and lows shaping the NBA right now — from major injuries impacting contenders to historic performances that continue to redefine greatness.

First , as injuries take center stage around the league. Jalen Suggs suffers a Grade 1 MCL contusion and is out indefinitely, while Jonas Valančiūnas is sidelined with a right calf strain and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. Combined with Nikola Jokić’s knee injury, the Nuggets’ frontcourt takes a major hit, raising real questions about depth, durability, and timing as the season unfolds. 

Highs:

– The 2025 NBA Christmas Day games delivered 15-year viewership highs, with over 47 million U.S. viewers, reinforcing the NBA’s cultural relevance and dominance in marquee moments. 

– Russell Westbrook moves into 7th all-time in assists, passing Magic Johnson — a milestone that adds another chapter to his Hall of Fame résumé. We also celebrate basketball greatness at the highest level. 

– Giannis Antetokounmpo continues his historic run, recording his 158th career 30/10/5 game, passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for second all-time and closing in on Oscar Robertson.

– LeBron James adds yet another legendary moment, posting 31 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, becoming the oldest player ever to score 30+ and surpassing Kareem’s mark for the most points by a 41-year-old. LeBron and Kareem now stand alone as the only players to score 25+ at age 41 — doing it at the exact same age, 41 years and 3 days.

Lows:

– We discuss Draymond Green’s ejection following a controversial non–three-second call and what it says about composure, officiating, and reputation

– Plus, Jaylen Brown’s frustration after missing out on Eastern Conference Player of the Month sparks a deeper conversation on player recognition, narrative vs. metrics, and how awards are truly evaluated. Then we shift to the highs, where the league continues to shine on the biggest stages.

– From injuries and controversy to records, ratings, and royalty, this episode captures the full spectrum of the NBA — where the highs are historic and the lows are unavoidable. 

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review The Baseline NBA Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker for real hoops talk, smart analysis, and conversations that go beyond the box score.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast–3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline