ORLANDO, Fla. — Stan Van Gundy has a request for the NBA: no more Christmas games.

"I actually feel sorry for people who have nothing to do on Christmas Day other than watch an NBA game," the Orlando Magic coach said.

The Magic lost to Boston, 86-77, yesterday, one of five NBA games on Christmas.

Van Gundy said he understands the high-priced TV contracts generate money for the league and it would be difficult to stop such games. He said at the very least he wishes the league had fewer games on the holidays.

The Magic play games on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day this season.

"I think we get a little carried away with ourselves with sports thinking we're more important than everything else," Van Gundy said before the game. "But that's the way it is. There's nothing more important than the NBA on Christmas Day."

Van Gundy feels the day is best spent with family. He woke up early but managed to spend only about 15 minutes with his wife and four children.

The only time he could recall watching a Christmas Day game was when his brother, Jeff, was coaching one of them. Van Gundy also said he doesn't watch NFL games on Thanksgiving.

"Christmas to me, obviously basketball is very important to me, but there are some days of the year where it's got to take a back seat to something," he said.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers wasn't quite as adamant, but he didn't disagree.

Rivers said it's tough for players to be away from family, but he realizes the league is not going to stop playing on the holidays.