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NBA: 3 biggest takeaways from the NBA on Christmas Day

By Brandon Osborne

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors looks in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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After a busy Christmas Day slate, we break down the three biggest takeaways from one of the NBA’s biggest regular season days

One of the NBA’s best traditions has come and gone. Once again the Christmas Day slate of games did not disappoint. Four of the five contests were decided by single digits and came down to the wire.

NBA fans were treated to potential playoff matchups as well as a potential NBA Finals preview.

Here are three takeaways from the NBA’s Christmas Day Slate:

1. In a potential NBA Finals preview, Kevin Durant outdueled LeBron James:

Even without Steph Curry, the Warriors and Cavaliers delivered another Christmas Day classic. The back-and-forth affair led to a controversial finish as LeBron James appeared to be fouled on a drive, down three, in the closing minute.

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The call was certainly important but the Warriors defense deserves a lot of credit for giving James problems all game. LeBron finished with 20-6-6 but he had 7 turnovers and only shot 38.9% from the field. Golden State’s length and outstanding rim protection was a big reason why the Cavaliers offense and James struggled. The Warriors had 8 blocks as a team including 5 from Kevin Durant. Durant was phenomenal on defense and was a big part of Golden State slowing down James.

For this game Durant was the better player and he showcased why he deserves to be in the conversation for best two-way player in the NBA. Aside from the 8 blocks, Durant also contributed 25-7-3. It’s best not to take too much from this game but if there is one thing to take away it’s that this years Warriors appear more equipped to give LeBron and the Cavaliers problems.

2. The Thunder’s big 3 go for 75 points and OKC upsets Houston

Oklahoma City appears to be figuring its offense out lately and it was on full display against the Houston Rockets. The Rockets, who were without Chris Paul, kept the game close throughout but were unable to get the win. The Thunder got 31-6-11 from Westbrook to go along with 24 from George and 20 from Anthony.

The Thunder now owns victories over the top two teams in the NBA (Rockets and Warriors) and seems to be finding their groove as a team. Houston, meanwhile, have lost 3 in a row. The recent losing streak has cost them the Conference’s top spot. Despite the loss, James Harden had another outstanding performance finishing with 29-8-14.

3. The inconsistent Wizards show how good they can be

Washington started the season being talked as one of the biggest threats to the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference but so far this season they have yet to play like it. Against the Celtics, the Wizards finally showed just how good this team can be. Washington was down 95-90 with 6 minutes remaining in the game but the Wizards responded with a 12-0 run that would put them on top for good. The win was extremely impressive when you consider that the Wizards bench was outscored 43-20.

Must Read: NBA Trade Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks interested in Golden State Warriors center

John Wall finished with 21-5-14 while holding Celtics G Kyrie Irving to 20-4-5. The Wizards have won 3 out of their last 4 and a win like this should give them some momentum while the Celtics are 11-8 since starting the season 16-2.

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