Warriors beat reporter Danny Emerman shares his thoughts on the NBA:

One third through the season, it’s pretty easy to see which teams have been naughty and nice.

Lots of squads have lengthy Christmas lists for Santa, while the best might just ask for good health.

There are five standalone games schedule for Christmas Day, including a primetime matchup between the Warriors and Lakers.

Let’s get into the holiday spirit on the last Sunday before Christmas by tiering the NBA based on Christmas movies.

Elf (2003) >> The best of the best, a timeless comedy: Boston Celtics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks

Die Hard (1988) >> It’s a Christmas movie, and it rocks: Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks

The Holdovers (2023) >> A modern masterpiece: Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns

Home Alone (1990) >> An absolute classic watered down by four (4!) sequels: Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) >> Old, slow and melancholy…but you’re still watching: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers

Fred Claus (2007) >> An underrated flick not to be slept on: Atlanta Hawks

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) >> Not sure it has aged well, but those who like it, love it: San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers

Eight Crazy Nights (2002) >> Not quite a Christmas movie…and not quite playoff teams: Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) >> The Grinch came for them…but could there be a happy ending?: Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans

Polar Express (2004) >> Has its moments, but not a mainstay: Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Toronto Raptors

Red One (2024) >> The Rock described his “Red One” (30% on Rotten Tomatoes) as having “a long shelf life with multiple verticals,” becoming the new leader in the clubhouse for most dystopian quote of the year: Washington Wizards, Portland Blazers, Utah Jazz