Milwaukee Bucks: Complete history of Christmas Day games

By Adam McGee | Dec 25, 2018

Milwaukee, WI - DECEMBER 22: the Milwaukee Bucks mascot is seen dressed as Santa during the halftime performance during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 22, 2017 at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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MILWAUKEE, WI – CIRCA 1968: (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

1968 – Detroit Pistons at Milwaukee Arena

Considering how long the Bucks’ recent drought of Christmas Day games was, it’s worth noting there was no such wait for the city’s first and, to date, only opportunity to host a game on December 25.

The Bucks were far from a juggernaut in their first season in the NBA, heading into their Christmas Day matchup with the Detroit Pistons with a record of 10-25, and ultimately finishing the year 27-55 and earning the chance to draft Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The Pistons similarly struggled that season, coming to Milwaukee for this game at 11-20, making this far from a glamorous matchup.

In spite of that, the crowd in Milwaukee were treated to a largely entertaining and competitive contest. The Pistons ultimately came away with a 119-113 win, but with seven Bucks scoring in double digits (led by Guy Rodgers‘ 24 points) and three Pistons scoring over 20 points (Happy Hairston, Dave Bing, Eddie Miles), it’s safe to say both teams provided an enjoyable Christmas treat.

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