Happy holidays and cheers! It’s hard to believe the year is almost over. And in the NBA, what a year it’s been.
This month’s photos include lots of emotion, defense, stumbles, interactions with fans and the usual high-flying dunks.
And don’t forget, until a champion is crowned after the NBA Finals, The Athletic will select stunning and powerful images from each month.
As always, thanks for viewing the NBA photos of the month. Happy New Year!
(Rick Osentoski/USA Today)
Jaden Ivey of the Pistons leaps over Christian Wood of the Mavericks while chasing the ball in Detroit.
(Michael McLoone/USA Today)
Pat Connaughton of the Bucks has hopes, but even he knows it’s best to get out of the way of Lonnie Walker IV’s thunderous slam for the Lakers in Milwaukee.
(Mike Watters/USA Today)
Face time! Mo Bamba of the Magic smashes Terence Mann of the Clippers in the nose in Orlando, Fla.
(Kamil Krzaczynski/USA Today)
Did you know Andre Drummond of the Bulls is only 29 years old? The Big Penguin blocks this shot by Isaiah Todd of the Wizards in Chicago.
(John E. Sokolowski/USA Today)
The Raptors clear the lane as MVP candidate Jayson Tatum of the Celtics dunks in Toronto.
(Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today)
Devin Booker of the Suns takes a seat with some courtside fans after failing to save the ball against the Celtics in Phoenix.
(Vincent Carchietta/USA Today)
Kyrie Irving of the Nets attracts defenders when he drives to the basket. Mason Plumlee (left) and Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Hornets stopped Irving this time in New York.
(Scott Wachter/USA Today)
Keldon Johnson of the Spurs rises up and over Jabari Smith Jr. of the Rockets on this slam in San Antonio.
(Andrew Wevers/USA Today)
Zion Williamson and the Pelicans have plenty to scream about this season. New Orleans has one of the best records in the Western Conference.
Paying the price: Domantas Sabonis of the Kings is down after getting fouled by the Knicks in New York.
(Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA Today)
You aren’t seeing four arms on Gary Trent Jr. of the Raptors as he shoots against the Magic in Orlando.
Aaron Gordon of the Nuggets applauds himself after this easy basket against the Wizards in Denver.
(Troy Wayrynen/USA Today)
Josh Hart of the Trail Blazers gets tripped (fouled) and then receives a face full of basketball against the Timberwolves in Portland, Ore.
Who is this player diving into the stands and fans to save the ball against the Wizards in Washington? Hint: He has already made an appearance in this month’s photo gallery and plays for an Eastern Conference team. The answer is at the bottom.
(Troy Taormina/USA Today)
This confirms that Udonis Haslem (now 42) of the Heat is still playing in the NBA as he battles Alperen Şengün of the Rockets in Houston.
(Rick Osentoski/USA Today)
De’Aaron Fox of the Kings tries to squeeze between Jalen Duren (left) and Isaiah Stewart of the Pistons in Detroit.
(Trevor Ruszkowski/USA Today)
Julius Randle of the Knicks stretches, reaches and fails to secure a loose ball while falling on Andrew Nembhard of the Pacers in Indianapolis.
(Alonzo Adams/USA Today)
Jalen Williams of the Thunder stops Justise Winslow of the Trail Blazers with this defensive gem in Oklahoma City.
(Mark J. Rebilas/USA Today)
Bismack Biyombo of the Suns won this possession with Daniel Gafford of the Wizards in Phoenix.
(David Richard/USA Today)
Darius Garland of the Cavaliers howls in delight after scoring against the Bucks in Cleveland.
(Brian Fluharty/USA Today)
As play continues, Jayson Tatum of the Celtics agonizes after getting hit in the face against the Pacers in Boston.
(Brett Davis/USA Today)
Onyeka Okongwu of the Hawks swats this shot by DeMar DeRozan of the Bulls in Atlanta.
(Bill Streicher/USA Today)
Anthony Lamb of the Warriors and Daniel House Jr. of the Sixers tussle in Philadelphia.
(Jerome Miron/USA Today)
Even after LeBron James of the Lakers is whistled for an offensive foul, he’s in a festive mood and offers to help Tim Hardaway Jr. get to his feet in Dallas.
Parting shot
(Alonzo Adams/USA Today)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (center) of the Thunder celebrates with his teammates after hitting the game-winning shot against the Trail Blazers in Oklahoma City. Gilgeous-Alexander is putting up impressive numbers this season, averaging 31.6 points, 5.7 assists, 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 92.5 percent from the free-throw line.
Answer: Kyrie Irving of the Nets.
(Top photo of Luka Doncic of the Mavericks: Kevin Jairaj / USA Today)
Related reading
How an NBA Getty Images photographer captures the perfect shot
Related viewing
November: 25 NBA images you might have missed
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