For a while now, the sports world has been at a standstill as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. All major American sports leagues, as well as top leagues around the world, have put a halt to play in the midst of this health crisis. Along with the feelings of isolation brought on by this quarantine, the absence of sports has left many fans feeling lost, confused and well…bored. Fortunately, many sports leagues have provided fans with the opportunity to access and re-watch classic games again. Below I have provided some of my top recommendations for games you should watch again in your incredible amount of spare time.
2013 NBA Finals Game 6
This matchup between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs provided for one of the greatest series of all time in finals history. In a game for the ages, the Spurs entered with a 3-2 series lead and were on the cusp of another NBA title. Holding a five point lead with 28 seconds remaining, the title was all but clinched for San Antonio. But before the trophy could make its way out, the Heat staged an epic comeback that ended with Ray Allen hitting one of the most clutch shots in NBA history to send the game to overtime. The Miami Heat would win in overtime to force a decisive game seven in South Beach.
2016 World Series Game 7
The Indians had a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Chicago Cubs, until back-to-back wins forced an important game seven in Cleveland. In a tight game, Rajai Davis of the Indians hit a 2-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game at six. The game would go into extra innings, where two runs by the Cubs in the top of the tenth inning would prove to be too much. Re-watch as the Cubs win their first world series in over a 100 years in dramatic fashion.
Super Bowl LI
This historic matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots saw the only overtime game in Super Bowl history capped off by one of the greatest comebacks of all time. Up 28-3 in the third quarter, Atlanta was rolling and it looked like the Falcons were the clear champions. However, Tom Brady led the Patriots out of the 25 point hole to force the first overtime in Super Bowl history. A running touchdown by James White sealed the deal as the Patriots won 34-28, giving Tom Brady his fifth ring.
2016 NCAA Tournament National Championship
In 2016, North Carolina and Villanova faced off in one of the greatest championship games in the history of college basketball. A six point Villanova lead with a minute and a half left in the game would be reduced as the Tarheels and Wildcats traded baskets in a tight game down the stretch. Villanova would fight to go up by three only to see their lead reduced to one and then eventually erased as the game was tied at 74 after a miraculous shot from Marcus Paige. With 4.7 seconds left, the game was seemingly headed towards a dramatic overtime finish. However, Ryan Arcidiacono of Villanova would rush the ball up court and give it to Kris Jenkins, who hit a buzzer beater three to give the Wildcats their second National Championship and first since 1985.
2018 Stanley Cup Final Game 5
The Vegas Golden Knights and the Washington Capitals both staged two miraculous runs on their way to the Stanley Cup Final in 2018. The Knights took the league by storm in their inaugural season and the Capitals exorcised their demons in Pittsburgh on their ride to the Final. In a series dominated by Washington, the Capitals looked to win their first ever Stanley Cup in Game 5 in Vegas. The first two periods went back and forth as the Caps and Knights exchanged goals and leads. The advantage would be in the favor of Vegas 3-2 heading into a pivotal third period. With ten minutes to go, Devante Smith-Pelly would score an incredible goal to tie the game at 3. Just over two minutes later, Lars Eller would find the back of the net to give the Caps a 4-3 lead that sealed the deal. The Washington Capitals won their first Stanley Cup and Alex Ovechkin finally got to hoist the coveted prize.
Other notable games that just missed the cut:
2016 NBA Finals Game 7 (Cavaliers v Warriors)
Super Bowl XLIX (Seahawks v Patriots)
2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs Quarterfinal Game 7 (Maple Leafs v Bruins)
2019 Eastern Conference Semis Game 7 (Sixers v Raptors)
NCAA Tournament Final Four 2014 (Kentucky v Wisconsin)
2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1 Game 7 (Knights v Sharks)
