NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Golden State Warriors dynasty was effectively launched in 2014. The franchise went on to win four NBA titles in eight years.
The rise after decades of irrelevance, combined with a star-studded roster that continues to include Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, has propelled the Warriors into the company of the NBA’s marquee teams. That status has made Golden State a regular selection to play on Christmas Day, appearing in each of the last 13 seasons.
The Warriors last won the NBA Finals in 2022, and the roster has seen some change in recent seasons, although Golden State managed to defeat the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day last week. However, Green said he would have preferred to have the day off.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. (William Liang/Imagn Images)
Green argued that scheduling games on Dec. 25 negatively impacted players’ ability to spend time with their families over the holiday.
“Playing on Christmas Day, too, sucks. And the reason it sucks is, No. 1, what I—what I just said, uh, it can affect your mood,” Draymond said on his podcast before this year’s Christmas game.
JJ REDICK SMOKES AFTER LAKERS’ CHRISTMAS COLLAPSE, DEMANDS BETTER EFFORT
“No. 2, we’re human beings and like everyone else, enjoy Christmas Day with our families. It’s kind of ruined for us. Um, they’re at home or on vacation with their families, making memories.”
Draymond Green (23) of the Golden State Warriors watches the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 20, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
“We don’t – we don’t have that opportunity. So I hate when people say, ‘Oh man, it’s an honor to play on Christmas Day.’ People should shut up. No, you should shut up, because whether you played on Christmas Day or not, I don’t really care about the prospect.”
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) jogs off the court after being ejected during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns on December 12, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. (Rick Scooteri/AP Photo)
Green was drafted in the second round in 2012, meaning he has spent every Christmas since his rookie season on the hardwood.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
While the NBA has shown no signs of ending its Christmas tradition, the league now faces competition from the NFL. This year, three NFL games clashed with the NBA roster.
The Warriors beat the Brooklyn Nets 120-107 on Monday. Golden State returns to action on New Year’s Eve for a matinee matchup with the Charlotte Hornets.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage onand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
