Holiday sports: Here’s what I’m watching | Bench Talk with Ben Ray

With the holiday season upon us, and as families gather and spend time together in living rooms, some no doubt will turn on the TV to watch sports.

Much to the dismay of some, Christmas used to be a day that the NBA dominated — from the mid-2010 sleeved monochrome jerseys to the “jingle bells” commercial that still might be the best sporting commercial of all time.

The NBA slate of games was the thing to watch on Christmas. But now the NFL wants some of the action, with two games on the docket Christmas Day.

Here are a few events that I am interested in watching over the holiday season.

NBA, Spurs at Knicks, 9 a.m. Dec. 25: This game will be on strictly because of the 9 a.m. tip. It is also a good way to see Victor Wembanyama battle the Knicks. As a fan of the sport of basketball, when the Knicks are good and competing at a high level, the NBA is at its best.

NFL on Netflix, Chiefs at Steelers, 10 a.m. Dec. 25: It seems like the Russell Wilson disapproval here in Washington is all but finished. There are not many non-Seahawks that get a lot of love around here. Especially after the way Russ left and how the week one game went against his Broncos. But Russ on the Steelers has captivated the Pacific Northwest, which is interesting because the Steelers themselves have been a ghost of Seahawks past. But now with Russ, it seems easy to root for, especially for what he meant to the community here. Not just football.

Boxing Day Test (cricket), India against Australia, Fourth Test, first ball at 3:30 p.m.: Cricket has been a sport that has piqued my interest over the past year and a half. Of all forms of cricket, test cricket is the best in my professional opinion. The first three tests were pretty competitive as both India and Australia won a test with the third ending as a draw due to rain. Cricket isn’t on most people’s lists here in the U.S., but a Boxing Day Test is a great way for people to learn about the world’s second most popular sport.

Prep girls hoops, Todd Beamer vs. Kentridge, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 26: As far as state tournament hopes are concerned, it would be a success for both programs to reach that part of the season. Todd Beamer High School is off to a 5-3 start with losses to Auburn Mountainvew, Mountlake Terrace and White River by a combined 11 points. The Titans have knocked off Lindbergh and North Creek as big wins this season. Kentridge is certainly feeling like they are approaching their window, and with Gio Moimoi at the center, the Chargers are currently 4-4. But a win over Beamer would be three straight and could get them going in the right direction.

Prep boys hoops, Auburn Riverside vs. Mountlake Terrace, 5 p.m. Dec. 26: Along with Auburn Mountainview’s boys, the Ravens girls have turned a corner. Over their last three seasons, the Ravens have won six games twice and nine games once. So far this season, the Ravens are 5-2. The Ravens have yet to play crosstown rivals in Auburn, which will be their biggest test of the season. But if they can get some momentum up north in a holiday tournament, that can bode well for the future of Ravens girls basketball.

Prep boys hoops, Auburn Mountainview vs. Kelso, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 26: The Lions have been the most exciting team in the 3A NPSL. Last year for the holiday tournament they went up to Alaska. This year they are staying a little more local and heading down to Silas High School. Auburn Mountainview is off to a historic start, but how long will the unbeaten run last? In the T-Town Throwdown, the Lions have more wins (8) than every single team in the tournament. Silas at 5-2 is the closest to the Lions.