Kyrie's Christmas Day started with 16 pts in the first quarter news

Irving explodes for 16 points in first quarter versus Sixers

As the Boston Celtics look to one-up their Eastern Conference rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers, on Christmas Day, the All-Star point guard erupted for 16 points in the opening quarter.

Check out all of his shots from the opening period here.

#Kyrie's Christmas Day started sparks the @celtics in Q1 with 16 pts in the first quarter news
#CUsRise #NBAXmas #NBAonABC pic.twitter.com/UcXoQLtrDT

— Engr. Faith (@olafaith0001) December 26, 2018

James Herbert of CBS Sports recently wrote that the perfect gift that the Celtics could have for Christmas is having a healthy and comfortable Gordon Hayward.

"I know that he has made strides physically since the start of the season, and I know that he has had a couple of high points, like his 30-point, nine-rebound, eight-assist game in Minnesota at the beginning of the month, but still. Let's not forget how much more he can do. Hayward was one of the best wings in the league before his leg injury, and we shouldn't settle for him being a helpful play-maker off the bench. No, Boston needs the real Hayward -- the one who dunks on people, the one who can take over games -- if it is going to reach its peak this season. The Celtics won't get this gift on Dec. 25, but they'll accept it anytime before the start of the playoffs."

The Celtics have taken a 32-25 lead entering the second quarter as Boston has converted on 48.4 percent of their field-goal attempts and the Sixers have converted on just 40 percent of their attempts after ending the opening period while shooting 4-of-15 from the field.