NBA Released its 2022 Christmas Spot Titled "A Nonstop NBA Christmas"

Dec. 09, 2022

In anticipation of the annual NBA on Christmas Day five game slate, the NBA today released its 2022 Christmas spot titled "A Nonstop NBA Christmas." The new spot will premiere during the NBA Finals rematch between the Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors game Saturday Dec. 10 at 8:30 p.m.ET for the opening night of the ABC primetime slate and is also set to stream on the NBA App and across @NBA social and digital platforms beginning today.

Taking place on the set of a classic children’s holiday play, the ultimate NBA superfan Non-Stop, who was first introduced in the league’s tip-off campaign, makes his return to preview theexciting Christmas Day matchups this year. Joined by an illustrious cast of NBA legends,musicians, influencers and young fans, the play is a fresh take on the iconic "Twas the Night Before Christmas."

As the children gather to put on the production, the play tips-off with Non-Stop taking the audience from game-to-game beginning with Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies and in the words of Memphis All-Star Ja Morant, the Grizzlies “ain’t ducking no smoke!” when they face the Warriors. Back stage, NBA legend Julius Erving sets the scene for the Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks and predicts “Sixers making miracles near 34,” a nod to MSG’s location, while native New Yorker and rapper Action Bronson proclaims the “Knickerbockers [will be] putting them on skates like they’re Rockefellers.”

In the curtains, one of the children plays a puppeteer with Boston Celtics legend and two-time NBA champion Ray Allen to preview the Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics matchup, as  Allen claims the “Beantown Ballers [will be] lighting up your feed like a tree.” Over on the West Coast, actress and influencer Brittney Elena watches highlights on the new NBA App while a life-size puppet – sporting reigning Kia NBA MVP Nikola Jokic’s jersey – drops coal in the stockings of Phoenix Sun’s players. Meanwhile, three-time NBA All-Star Devin Booker observes from the audience in anticipation for the Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns matchup. The play ends with a look at the Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers and previews LeBron James playing in his 17th Christmas Day game.

Full cast includes:

• NBA Players: Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns)
• NBA Legends: Julius Erving, Ray Allen
• Influencers and Celebrities: Action Bronson, Brittney Elena
• Non-Stop: Actor Keyon Bowman

Created in conjunction with independent creative agency Translation, the spot was directed by TRAKTOR. “A Nonstop NBA Christmas” is currently airing on television networks, with additional :10 and :15-second versions airing across NBA platforms and will be translated in 13 additional languages to reach fans globally.

NBA Christmas Day Schedule:

• Philadelphia 76ers @ New York Knicks (12 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)
• Los Angeles Lakers @ Dallas Mavericks (2:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)
• Milwaukee Bucks @ Boston Celtics (5 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)
• Memphis Grizzlies @ Golden State Warriors (8 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)
• Phoenix Suns @ Denver Nuggets (10:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN)