Although 2016 was the year of the sports comebacks with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ legendary comeback to defeat the Golden State Warriors after being down 3-1 in the NBA finals and Tom Brady’s incredible return to the field after “deflate-gate,” 2017 had its share of incredible moments, as well. From comebacks and legendary in-game brawls to social media beefs/trolls, controversial hot takes and so much more, this year will go down as one of the best years in sports.
- Tom Brady and The Patriots Win The Super Bowl
After last year’s GOAT performance following the deflate-gate controversy, Tom Brady led his team to the AFC championship and then the Super Bowl. The New England Patriots faced off against the 2016 NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons. Although the team started off rough, trailing 28-3, Brady managed to pull off the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. In the first Super Bowl game to be decided in overtime, Brady and the Patriots won their fifth championship, 34-28.
- LaVar Ball
Ahead of the 2017 NBA Draft the father that everyone loves to hate and hates to love catapulted his Big Baller Brand to success with his outrageous hot takes and obnoxious antics. At first, many were caught by surprise by the loud-mouthed father of three, but when his words turned into action, which eventually turned into profit, Ball gained respect from the biggest ballers in the industry. From his confidence in his sons to his Big Baller Brand business to his beef with Donald Trump, Ball has made a name for himself and his children. Whether you love him or hate him, he’s doing what he feels is best for his children and you can’t fault him for that.
- Kevin Durant’s Fake Twitter Account
When Kevin Durant left his friends in Oklahoma City to chase a championship with the Golden State Warriors, fans felt his actions were weak. The move even caused tension between him and former friend and teammate, Russell Westbrook. However, amid the widespread backlash, the Warriors baller took it upon himself to defend himself in the absolute worst way possible-through a fake Twitter account. One day KD was clapping back at his haters, the next he was being exposed for doing it behind a troll account.
4. Russell Westbrook Wins NBA MVP
After being betrayed by his friend and teammate, Kevin Durant, Westbrook showed up and showed out for the 2016-17 season. Every night he took the floor and played like his life depended on it. Everyone was his enemy on the court, with no exceptions. Following his record-breaking season, setting the mark for most triple-doubles in an NBA season (42), averaging a triple double for the season, Westbrook won the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player of the Year award. Despite the fact that the Thunder were eliminated in the first round of playoffs, Westbrook put on an unforgettable performance, averaging a triple-double for the round, including the first-ever 50-point triple-double in playoff history. The incredible season performance, topped off with the MVP win and an ovation for the audience was definitely one of the best sports moments of the year.
5. Michael Crabtree and Aqib Talib Brawl
Last season, when the Denver Broncos took on the Oakland Raiders in Week 17, Broncos’ Aqib Talib snatched Raiders’ Michael Crabtree, just because. Exactly one year later, Crabtree taped his chain to himself before the game to refrain from any interaction with Talib. However, the chain-snatching Bronco struck once again, prompting Crabtree to attack him. Shortly after, the two were involved in a full-blown brawl that led to a two-game suspension for both players, which was later reduced after an appeal.
6. Bruce Maxwell Takes A Knee
Just one year after Colin Kaepernick started the protest against police brutality and racial injustices by taking a knee during the National Anthem prior to gameplay, several players continued the music in the new season. Although Kaepernick had not been picked up to play in the 2017-18 season, several players felt inclined to stand up (take a knee) against the mistreatment of black and brown Americans. As the movement spread, A’s catcher Bruce Maxwell became the first baseball player to take a knee during the anthem.
7. Marshawn Lynch Jumps Into A Fight For The Opposite Team
In his first year out of retirement, it appears Marshawn Lynch gives zero f*cks. Although Lynch was known for doing his own thing during his time in the league, this season he seems to give a f*ck less than he did in previous seasons. This year, after the Raiders got into a scuffle with Kansas City Chiefs players over a hit on the Radiers’ quarterback, Lynch rushed the field from the sideline. While many believed he was supporting his quarterback, turns out, he was actually going to defend his cousin, who was on the OPPOSITE team. Amid the pushing and shoving, Lynch nudged a ref, which got him ejected from the game. However, the early exit didn’t stop Lynch’s fun. He then kicked it with fans in the stands, just before hopping on BART with his cousin and Chiefs cornerback Marcus Peters.
What other moments would you add to this list?
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