How is today different from any other day? Because not only is it Christmas Day — when we observe the birthday of the man who, in the words of Douglas Adams, “said how great it would be to be nice to everyone for a change” — it is the first day of the NBA season. There were five games back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back, but I have been pacing myself because for some inexplicable reason the nightcap features My Golden State Warriors hosting the L.A. Clippers.

I only had a couple drinks today, so I’m pretty sure I didn’t imagine Justin Bieber singing “Little Drummer Boy” to open the broadcast. I guess this is what it means to be in the big time. As of this writing the W’s are beating the Clips 43–41 and it is approaching midnight EST; it’s pretty touch-and-go as to whether I will make it all 48 minutes, so…merry NBXmas to all, and to all a good night.