Brooklyn Nets an infrequent tradition on Christmas
By Phil Watson
Dec. 25, 1980: Hayes rejects Nets bid
Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes went for 16 points, 15 rebounds and seven blocked shots as the Washington Bullets cruised to a 109-94 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Christmas Day in 1980.
Washington took control of the game in the first half, opening a 53-36 halftime lead and playing basically even with the Nets the rest of the way.
Rookie Mike Gminski paced the Nets with 19 points and another rookie, Lowes Moore, added 18.
Greg Ballard paced the Bullets with 24 points and rookie Rick Mahorn finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Neither team would make the playoffs in 1981, as Hayes, Ballard, Mitch Kupchak and Kevin Grevey were all that remained of an aging core than had won a title three years earlier.
New Jersey, on the other hand, was on the verge of bigger and better things ahead.