While we are only halfway into 2016, many of the major sports have already happened and have proven pretty compelling viewing. Even though there are many different victories, near misses and staggering performances in a whole variety of different sporting events, the real standout moments tend to happen on the very biggest of stages when the pressure's on and the world is waiting. In 2016 so far, here are some of the incidents that will go down in sports history.
NBA Finals 3-1 Comeback for Cavaliers
Everyone saw the 3-1 deficit that Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors had to overcome just to make it out of the Western Conference Finals in the NBA playoffs. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers repeated the magic on the other side – it only makes sense that Cleaveland earned their first championship in over fifty years in such a fashion, with Lebron James going down as a bona fide hero of the city.
© Getty Images
Super Bowl 50 - Peyton Manning Came Through
While everyone was wondering whether or not the battered and beaten Peyton Manning would even make it to the fiftieth installment of the NFL's championship game, he did just enough to capture a league title. He held up for the entire game and was even able to enjoy the halftime show by Coldplay instead of feeling the pressure of falling behind early as so many had predicted. Even though the questions of whether or not he was going to be able to help out with a late season run and a post-season finish were all being asked, he successfully led the team to a win. Cam Newton may have had the flair, the athleticism, and the hype, but Peyton Manning walked off into the sunset with a championship firmly secured and a load of endorsement deals in the pipeline.
MLB All Star Game Feats - Royal MVP, Fluber Fans, Papi Rides Off
While the MLB season is still only in the middle of the year, the MLB game was full of memorable moments. The Kansas City Royals were able to secure one MVP with Eric Hosmer. The Cleveland Indians pulled off an all-star game win with Corey Kluber that will go down for the ages. And, last but not least, Boston's "Big Papi" David Ortiz was able to celebrate before, during, and after the All-Star game as he prepares to ride out into retirement at the end of the season. His farewell tour will continue but this win was the jewel in his crown.
World Series of Poker
The world of sports is far from just implying physical endeavor: sports is also about playing the odds and making smart decisions. That's why when it comes to some of the most exciting sports victories, one rapidly gaining in popularity is without a doubt the WSOP November Nine. Although yet to come, the industry is already buzzing with the news that there are not just one but two brand-new qualifiers for the final table. As the November players start to shape up and the list is whittled down, every eye will be on the Griffen Josephy to see if he can follow up his two-time bracelet performances for yet another. Meanwhile, some names getting some talk early will be Gordon Vayo and Kanny Hallaert, but don't rule out newbies Fernando Pons and Griffin Benger just yet.
College American Football National Championship - Fourth Quarter Thriller
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team was able to overcome a fourth quarter deficit and capture a national title that nobody thought was possible. The fourth quarter saw multiple lead changes and two of the most skilled teams in the entire nation competing against one another, and the action was nail-biting: 30 goals were scored in the last eight minutes of the contest alone. This championship was far from blowouts that have occurred in previous years and the outcome uncertain until the very last minutes. In the college football landscape, there probably won't be anyone who forgets this extremely watched game for a good amount of time.
© AFP
2016 Masters - Danny Willett Swings Just Right
While the collective golf audience was watching the 2016 Masters and waiting for Jordan Spieth to take home the title in back to back years since Tiger Woods, his game unfortunately came apart down the stretch. Even though all and sundry assumed he would able to hang on, it was Danny Willet who pulled off the victory. As the old saying goes, it isn't over until it's over, allowing Willet to make a move for the title by keeping his head down and playing the game to the best of his ability, in hopes that the rest would take care of itself. He did just that and the rest is history.
As anyone can see there has already been a tremendous amount of activity in 2016, but the truth is the sports world is far from ceasing its quality moments. And yet, even though there will be more to come, however, no one is going to forget these classics any time soon.
