Thanksgiving and the NBA haven’t always mixed. Back in the day, a few Turkey Day games slipped into the schedule, but after the 2011 CBA, the league drew the line. Now, the holiday courts stay quiet, reserved for Christmas, New Year’s, and Good Friday instead. No Election Day or March Madness clashes either, family dinners win over buzzer-beaters, leaving fans and players with a break from the usual hoops action.

This 2025-26 season, the 80th in NBA history, keeps that tradition alive. With the regular season rolling and the in-season NBA Cup underway, we’re getting a rare breather, thanks to Thanksgiving. It’s the perfect moment to pause, look back at the highlights so far, and count a few things we’re grateful for in the world of hoops.

Thankful for the buzzer beaters

“The NBA says it

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