After scoring only 43 points in the first half, the Mavericks sublimated after returning from the locker room, simply by achieving the best quarter of this NBA season, with 51 points.

Luka Doncic and his teammates netted a total of 18 award-winning shots, including 9 in the third quarter, after only taking 5 of 22 in the first half.

The Slovenian star scored 32 points, took 9 rebounds and offered 9 assists.

Christian Wood also distinguished himself with 30 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists.

Tim Hardaway Jr added 26 points.

Despite the loss, star LeBron James, playing his 17th game on Christmas Day, a new NBA record under his belt, carried the Lakers, scoring 38 points.

He also took 6 rebounds and offered 5 assists.

Earlier in the day, the Sixers, led by the Knicks for most of the game, took the lead early in the fourth quarter and held it until the end.

"In the second half, we were more physical," reacted Joel Embiid (35 pts, 8 rebounds).

James Harden scored 29 points and distributed 13 assists.

The Sixers, fifth in the Eastern Conference ahead of … the Knicks, sign their eighth consecutive victory.

"Christmas Day" continues with the Celtics and Bucks battling it out for first place in the East.

Then, in the West, the Warriors, defending champions but eleventh, will face the Grizzlies, while the Nuggets, currently first, welcome the Suns, who should register the return of Devin Booker.

© 2022 AFP