The Best Sports Moments of 2016
The past year was filled with memorable sports moments that brought fans in various sports out of their seats. Curses were broken and championships were won, so it’s time to take a lot back at the past 365 days.
The Chicago Cubs capture their first World Series since 1908.
And they couldn’t have done it in much more dramatic series. After finding themselves in a 3-1 hole to the hands of Cleveland, Chicago marched back and took game seven in extra innings. They did give up a 6-3 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning, but perhaps their plan was to make the game a little more interesting all along. Congratulations to the Cubbies and their biggest fan, Bill Murray.
(Getty Images Sport Ezra Shaw)
Kyrie Irving’s game-winning shot
Ironically, it was Cleveland that found themselves coming back from a 3-1 deficit to force a game seven in the NBA finals. With a little under one minute left in regulation and the score tied at 89 apiece, Kyrie Irving pulled up from downtown to secure Cleveland its first championship in franchise history. Ohio native LeBron James was named finals MVP. What a series it was.
(Getty Images Sport Ezra Shaw)
Kris Jenkin’s buzzer beater wins Villanova the NCAA championship
This game had plenty of hype going into it, and the players participating in it delivered. It appeared as though Nova had the game locked down heading into the fourth quarter, but North Carolina stormed a comeback and ultimately tied the game. With time expiring, Ryan Arcidiacono found Kris Jenkins, who nailed the buzzer-beater shot to win the tournament. Does it get any better than that?
(Getty Images Sport Lance King)
Sidney Crosby is announced the Conn Smythe Trophy Winner
Finally. The hockey world was waiting for its best player (well, arguably) to receive the coveted trophy, and they got their wish. Crosby dominated en route to winning the Stanley Cup, recording 19 points in 24 games. Phil Kessel just as easily could have won the trophy (22 points in 24 games), but the voters went with Sid. This likely won’t be the last one he wins either.
(Getty Images Sport Bruce Bennett)
Usian Bolt wins third straight 100-meter dash
Not that anyone doubted it would happen, but the Jamaican became the first sprinter to win the 100-meter dash in three consecutive Olympics according to http://www.telegraph.co.uk/. Bolt expressed that the Rio Olympics were the last he’d compete in, and finishes his career with nine gold medals.
(Getty Images Sport Patrick Smith)
Michael Phelps breaks 2,168 year-old record at Rio Olympics
After winning the 200 meter, Phelps surpassed Leonidas of Rhodes record for most individual olympics titles according to the Sun UK. The gold medal was his 22nd. Incredible.
(Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant posts 60 in his final game
Has there ever been a more impressive final performance than Kobe’s 60-point stunner against the Utah Jazz? Yeah, he was taking shot after shot. But considering he was statistically having his worst season as a pro, it was some sort of miracle that he was able to pull it off. The future hall of famer went out with some serious style. Black Mamba OUT.
(Getty Images/Anadolu Agency)
Peyton Manning’s Super Bowl Budweiser Speech.
So, one of the three best quarterbacks of all time wins his second Super Bowl in what was likely his last game, and all he had to say for it was that he’s going to drink a lot of Budweiser. Smooth moves from the Sheriff, who reminds us that he’s not always as serious of a guy as you might think. We hope it tasted as good as you hoped it would, Peyton.
(AFP TIMOTHY A. CLARY)
Overall, it was a pretty awesome year of sports.
