Because 50 plays just wasn't enough this year. 

If you're coming over from part 1, welcome back!

If you haven't seen part one and want to take a look, click HERE.

​Let's not waste any time- back to the countdown, as we take a look at numbers 50-1.

​
50. May 15th- Byron Buxton slams into wall while making catch
Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians

Ouch. This one has to hurt. Luckily, Buxton makes the catch to rob Carlos Santana of extra bases, so it's all good!


49. January 21st- Robin Lehner dives across the crease to make the save in OT
Buffalo Sabres vs. Montreal Canadiens

The extension. Against the Canadiens. Nothing's better. How Robin Lehner manages to make this save while having the puck travel through a screen of his own men is ridiculous. Watch as he dives across the crease to rob Alex Galchenyuk to keep the game tied in OT.


48. August 24th- Gylfi Sigurdsson scores from the midfield line
Everton vs. Hadjuk Split

Gylfi Sigurdsson scores from just inside the midfield line, as he puts one past Jordan Pickford. Thankfully, he didn't embarrass Tim Howard on this one.


47. May 25th- Chris Kunitz sents Pens to Cup Final with double OT goal
NHL Eastern Conference Finals, Game 7: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators

The perfect ending to a fantastic series between these two squads. Chris Kunitz is able to put one past Craig Anderson in double overtime to send the Penguins back to the Stanley Cup Final. Plus, the call by Doc Emrick isn't bad either.


46. April 17th- Kyle Schwarber lays down the best bunt of all time
Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Rolling, rolling, rolling.... and.... doink! This is literally the greatest slow-motion-in-real-time play I have ever seen, maybe ever.


45. November 19th- Roger Lewis' tremendous catch to put the Giants in business
New York Giants vs. Kansas City Chiefs

This came at a moment where it was clear the Chiefs were falling apart, as Eli Manning throws a bomb to Eli Rogers, who somehow makes a great catch while sliding on the turf. While he did pop up and run into the end zone, he was ruled down by contact. However, it did result in the Giants kicking a game-winning field goal.


44. March 19th- Phil Kessel lobs one from behind the net, Patrick Hornqvist finishes
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Florida Panthers

It takes two to tango. It also takes two to combine for one of the best hockey goals of the year, as Phil Kessel, from behind the net, flips one into the air to a waiting Patrick Hornqvist, who smacks it out of midair into the net.


43. April 14th- Tarek Baker loses skate, but makes soccer assist to set up game winner
Sioux City Musketeers vs. Iowa City Buccaneers 

Who needs skates with plays like this. Tarek Baker is still able to keep control of the puck and dish it to his teammate with his feet to set up the goal.


42. September 4th- Ike Lewis makes one-handed catch falling out of bounds
Appalachian State Mountaineers vs. Georgia Bulldogs

Deeeeeeyum, Ike Lewis. Pulling out his finest one-handed grab to impress all the Georgia fans for this one.


41. February 20th- Jarret Allen throws down "dunk of the year"
Texas Longhorns vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

Okay, so I wouldn't go so far as to call this the "dunk of the year" like this announcer wants it to be, but it is pretty solid. Can you spell "posterized?"


40. August 20th- Jack Regenye leaps over wall to make catch
Little League World Series, Pennsylvania vs. Chinese Taipei

What is about these superhuman baseball playing kids? This clip is a product of the Little League Senior World Series, for kids ages 12-15. Jack Regenye makes a stellar catch, the ball taking him over the fence for the out.


39. January 8th- The Hail Mary, Part 3: Rodgers to Cobb
NFC Wild Card Playoff, Green Bay Packers vs. New York Giants

Heave ho. Touchdown Packers. This is literally the third Hail Mary from Aaron Rodgers in 13 months. This is getting absurd now. I don't really know what's more impressive, the fact that he's able to throw and complete all of these Hail Marys, or that the defenses don't know they're coming and can't defend them.


38. March 1st- Northwestern's Hail Mary and layup seals tournament bid
Northwestern Huskies vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

And with the lay in from Dererk Pardon, it seals Northwestern's first ever NCAA Tournament appearance. As far as non-tournament moments are concerned, a fantastic long inbound and connecting on a shot to go dancing for the first time is pretty high up there.


37. September 10th- Cole Beasley holds on to ball with one hand... on his shoulder
Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

I've seen football players catch all kinds of balls in all kinds of different ways: between their legs, in their helmets, on top of their helmets in the Super Bowl, on their butts, but never with one hand on the nameplate on the back of the jersey. This catch is fire.


36. June 3rd- Mario Mandžukić bicycle kick
UEFA Champions League Final, Juventus vs. Barcelona FC

This ball is in the air a good 8 seconds from the beginning of the volley to finally connecting with the netting in the back of the goal. This tied the game at 1 for Juventus, but Barcelona would win 4-1. This was the most absurd goal in this game, though.


35. December 5th- John Gibson reaches across crease for glove save
​Anaheim Ducks vs. Vegas Golden Knights

Here, John Gibson denies Alex Tuch by going across the crease and flashing the leather. It's the best when the horn and lights go off and the goaltender makes the save. Just the best.


34. June 25th- Jordan Spieth holes out from the bunker for walk off win
Travelers Championship

The stroke from the bunker. The placement. The roll. The putter toss. And then the sportsmanship to let his partner finish. This is what golf is all about. Jordan Spieth is not of this earth, I swear to you. A walk off win? Are you kidding?


33. November 5th- Tyreek Hill runs through Dallas defense to score before half
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dallas Cowboys

YOU CAN'T LET SOMEONE SCORE ON A PLAY LIKE THIS. COME ON, DALLAS. This is less about Tyreek Hill and more about Dallas' clearly stingy defense.


32. April 4th- Steph Curry's behind the back dime to Iguodala
Golden State Warriors vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Look at Steph Curry. This is the first time we've seen him on this list today! Look at him, making dimes like this to Iguodala. This is not basketball. This is ridiculous. Damn.


31. January 4th- Miles Bridges throws down alley-oop dunk
Michigan State Spartans vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

This is some great height and an intense slam by Bridges. Would have been better if his teammate had thrown it off the backboard to him (at least, that's what it looks like he's going to do), but hey, beggars can't be choosers. 


30. May 26th- Tristan Clarke reaches wayyyy over the fence to snag HR
Southland Conference Tournament: Sam Houstin State Bearkats vs. New Orleans Privateers

This home run is literally out of the ballpark. How does Tristan Clarke pull this one back? HOW? Well, this is how. Watch the video, dummy.


29. April 8th- James van Reimsdyk bats puck to himself out of the air, scores
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

You have to watch through the end of this one just to see the argument about if the play was offsides or not. Do that, and you'll see this ridiculous move by JVR to A) keep the play onsides, and B) to see some absurd hand-eye coordination on his part. Go Leafs Go, amiright?


28. March 11th- Deonte Burton slams home alley-oop
Iowa State Cyclones vs. West Virginia Mountaineers

Imma go ahead and say that Deonte Burton has some power in those arms. Look at the height and look how he throws the hammer down on West Virginia. This is probably that dunk that makes you feel the need to get up and pace the room a few times before watching it again.


27. August 1st- Austin Jackson flips over the wall to rob Hanley Ramirez
Cleveland Indians vs. Boston Red Sox

Many have tried to conquer the wall at Fenway. Not the Green Monster; I mean the short wall in right field where the bullpens are. Torii Hunter famously tried. Mookie Betts tried. Austin Jackson is still the only player I have ever seen make a catch, flip over the fence, and live to tell about the out he just made. 


26. May 27th- Carlos Correa makes twisting circus catch
Houston Astros vs. Baltimore Orioles

Yeah, this doesn't look easy. This is equal parts not running into teammates, trying to locate the ball while running, basically looking behind you, and being able to reach all the way back to make the catch. This is the web gem to end all web gems. Well, I still haven't mentioned a certain member of the Toronto Blue Jays (of whom I am a big fan), so I could be wrong.


25. December 18th- Larry Nance Jr. posterizes Kevin Durant
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors

To begin the final quarter of the list, we have a recent classic: the posterization of one Kevin Durant. Nance seems to hover in the air for a hot second, as if to say "you're getting my good side, right?" and then throws the hammer down on the former MVP.


24. April 2nd- Jonathan Quick makes a slick kick save
Los Angeles Kings vs. Arizona Coyotes 

Watch closely on this one. As Peter Holland of the Coyotes goes to try a back door wrist shot with the net basically wide open, Jonathan Quick is able to reach back with not just his pad, but his left skate, and keep the puck out. I'm pretty sure Quick is made of rubber after seeing this one go down, because this isn't anything I've seen any regular human do before.


23. July 29th- Duron Carter makes one-handed, backhand grab for touchdown
Saskatchewan Roughriders vs. Toronto Argonauts

Man, we get some good quality football from our neighbors in the CFL! Duron Carter, a former Indianapolis Colts practice squad member, reaches up with one hand and snatches the ball out of the air for the touchdown. This is almost like a baseball player would make a catch. Unbelievable.


22. April 5th- Steph Curry wrestles for the ball, finds Livingston for three (somehow)
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns

This is the kind of play that just makes you smile. Let me walk you through it. Steph Curry loses control of the ball, and has to wrestle on the floor for it. Eventually, he is able to find Shawn Livingston, who quickly heaves one up, (probably) not with intention of making it, but of getting it anywhere close to the rim to avoid a shot clock violation. And Livingston gets the three to bank home. I mean, COME ON. Why? Because Warriors.


21. January 21st- Donald Olivieri undresses defender with deke, scores
SPHL: Peoria Rivermen vs. Columbus Cottonmouths

Wow... I mean... I just... that kid broke another kid's legs. With a deke. And then he scored the game winner. I can't. I just can't. I am shook. SHOOKETH.


20. August 20th- Neymar dangles through defenders and scores
Paris Saint-Germain vs. Toulouse FC

It's really a shame Neymar is overshadowed in the mainstream sports world by players like Messi and Christiano Ronaldo. Because plays like this show that this dude is a freak of nature and deserves more recognition. He deked through three guys at once, managed to squeak through two more, and score. Like... how?


19. July 17th- Adam Atwood makes incredible leaping grab over fence.
Massachusetts Cape League: Chatham Anglers vs. Bourne Braves

"Ahh, the Cape League," said all my Massachusetts friends who care deeply about baseball. And then there's a play like the one Adam Atwood makes. Look at the height. And all my Massachusetts friends yell "SUMMER BASEBALL IS GREAT."


18. October 27th- Justin Williams makes crazy pass to Jeff Skinner for the goal
Carolina Hurricanes vs. St. Louis Blues

This goal is like a scene in a buddy cop action movie where the heroes are running through a burning or collapsing building or something, and stuff is falling all around them, but they still manage to get out at the last possible second. This is the hockey version of that. It's all so pretty, particularly all the work that Justin Williams does in order to get the puck to Jeff Skinner, finishing with a full out flip over the defender he just dished a pass through.


17. August 8th- Billy Hamilton makes basket catch against the wall
Cincinnati Reds vs. San Diego Padres

This... this looks difficult. It's great when you can make a catch so ridiculous that it's like all the great ones rolled into one, and so you have to reset the game in order to redefine what makes an amazing catch. This one is part Willy Mays, part Ken Griffey Jr, part Gary Matthews Jr, and even part Byron Buxton from way back at number 50.


16. January 1st- Olivier Giroud's scorpion kick goes bar down
Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal

Yes. I have been tracking plays since literally January 1st, 2017. This one was a serious contender early on. Watch the ease with which Olivier Giroud puts this scorpion kick in the back of the net. For those who don't know what a scorpion kick is... watch.


15. February 22nd- John Gillon beats Duke with buzzer beater
Syracuse Orange vs. Duke Blue Devils

I love buzzer beaters at home stadiums. And I especially love them when they're against teams I dislike. So you can imagine my joy when I watch this clip of John Gillon banking this long three home, and watching the crowd at the Carrier Dome explode having just topped Duke. "Are you serious??"


14. October 23rd- DK Metcalf makes catch against defender's back
Ole Miss Rebels vs. Vanderbilt Commodores

It's choppy and it's in slow motion, but the catch is still ridiculous. Watch as DK Metcalf pulls a Frances Owusu and pins the ball against the defender's helmet for the catch.


13. March 17th- Russell Westbrook's long range nutmeg pass to Victor Oladipo
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Toronto Raptors

Russell Westbrook is a bad, bad man. This is insane on so many levels. It is a long range pass, while on the fast break, cross court, and above all of that, Westbrook nutmegs the Toronto defender. At FULL. SPEED. Right in the pocket. After all that, he nutmegged him. Oladipo with the finish for the ridiculous highlight for the reigning MVP.


12. January 7th- Paul Richardson makes one-handed touchdown catch while being tackled
NFC Wild Card, Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions

I quit. I'm out. This is ABSURDITY. He is literally being all kinds of interfered with, and he still, miraculously pulls it in with one hand. I may not like the Seahawks, but this is a damn good catch. There are still 11 more plays to go???


11. April 9th- Tristan Jarry reaches behind the back for the save
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers

Many things have to happen on this. Jarry has to bring his entire paddle across the crease, and then locate the puck when it's up in the air, and then reach behind him and snag it with his glove. When it's all put together, you get the save of the year. 


10. September 1st- Jaleel Scott makes crazy one-handed grab falling out of bounds
Arizona State Sun Devils vs. New Mexico State Aggies

Take the Duron Carter catch from earlier, and move it to the back corner of the end zone. There, you'll find Jaleel Scott doing the exact same thing... except his looks maybe twice as hard. Carter may have battled two defenders, but Scott has to deal with the sidelines, making this catch look a whole lot tougher.


9. December 25th- DeAndre Hopkins tips it from one hand to the other for TD
Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

This is the gift that keeps on giving. And this might be the greatest catch I have ever seen. Better than Odell's? I'm gonna say... yes. It is. What hand-eye coordination. And to keep both feet in bounds. DeAndre Hopkins is an animal.


8. March 24th- Chris Chiozza's buzzer beater to beat Wisconsin
NCAA Tournament, Sweet 16- Florida Gators vs. Wisconsin Badgers

This was the NCAA Tournament's only true buzzer beater last year. But boy, was it a big one. Chris Chiozza takes it coast to coast and pulls up for a running three and drills it to knock Wisconsin out of the big dance and have Florida move on to the Elite 8.


7. July 16th- Jackie Bradley Jr. robs Aaron Judge of a home run
Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees

Aaron Judge hit a lot of home runs last year. This was not one of them. Judge's bat was loud, but the Fenway faithful when Bradley makes the catch against the wall was louder. 


6. January 17th- Jared Spurgeon catches puck, bats it in out of midair
Minnesota Wild vs. New Jersey Devils

This is the equivalent of juggling and playing hockey at the same time. This all happens in about half a second, but boy, is it pretty. The puck careens off Devils goaltender Cory Schneider, only for Spurgeon to catch it, drop it, and whack it in with his stick out of midair, all while moving to his left as if to move behind the net. This hockey goal of the year earns the 6th spot on our list.


5. May 8th & August 28th (tie) Kevin Pillar is Superman (again. And again.)
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cleveland Indians; Toronto Blue Jays vs. Boston Red Sox

May 8th- Kevin Pillar pulls out the red cape and robs Jose Ramirez of extra bases.

Three months later, he did the same thing to Mookie Betts, just for kicks. He's definitely flying in this one. 


4. April 25th- Chris Coghlan leaps over Yadier Molina to score
Toronto Blue Jays vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Man, I do love me some good base running. Kevin Pillar triples to right field, and when Coghlan comes around to score, the ball is already there with Yadier Molina. So what does Coghlan do? He absorbs Pillar's Superman powers and flies over Molina to score. Like, damn. Also, WHEEE!!!


3. March 31st- Morgan William hits buzzer-beater to end UConn's winning streak
NCAA Women's Final Four: Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Connecticut Huskies

So in overtime, UConn and Mississippi State are locked at 64 with 12 seconds left. Morgan William is the shortest player on the court at 5'5". She hits the biggest shot, probably in the history of women's basketball, as the buzzer sounds to end UConn's 111-game winning streak, sending the Bulldogs to the National Championship.


2. February 5th- Julio Jones makes toe-tapping sideline grab
Super Bowl LI: Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots

This was the greatest catch of Super Bowl LI. Matt Ryan escapes the pocket against a New England defense that was closing quickly and only within one score of tying the game. And he connected with Jones, who managed to keep both feet in bounds. Again, this was the greatest catch of Super Bowl LI.

Until, ya know, it became the second ​best.


1. February 5th- Julian Edelman makes crazy bobble catch to keep drive alive
Super Bowl LI: New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons

This is the best play of 2017.

Questions?


Leave a comment down below.

​Be sure to check out the rest of According to Andrew's Best of 2017 spread HERE.

Because 50 just wasn't enough this time. 

Another of the trademark lists from According to Andrew is the "Plays of the Year" list, where I meticulously scour the year in sports in search of the most athletic, most meaningful, most ridiculous, most jaw-dropping single plays in all of sports. It is a list that I take great pride in compiling, and as I took a look at my candidates for this year, I saw that I had no clear frontrunners, and well over 100 plays to choose from.

How was I going to narrow over 100 plays down to just 50?

I wasn't.

So here we are, counting down the 100 best plays from 2017. Let the madness begin.

This will be part one, where we look at plays 100-51. If you're looking for part two, click here.


Honorable Mentions:

January 14th- Andreas Anthanasiou goes coast to coast and scores
Detroit Red Wings vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Andreas Anthanasiou. Exceptional name, even more exceptional goal. Watch the gorgeous toe drag between three defenders and the flip over the pad of Marc Andre-Fleurry for the goal.


October 8th- Nelson Agholor's 71-yard catch and run
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Arizona Cardinals

Look at this catch. This is a nice ass catch. And then the utter disregard for Budda Baker's life as he makes a few moves and falls into the endzone. Pure sweetness.


June 8th- Rays throw the ball around too much but still get the out
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Chicago White Sox

Man, this thing would end up on the "oh no" moments list had it not been for Peter Bourjos. After a couple throwing errors, Bourjos still managed to get the ball to home plat in time to nab Willy Garcia. After all that, the Rays still manage to keep the game in their favor.


November 4th- Robbie Payne scores while sitting down
Northern Michigan Wildcats vs. Minnesota State Mavericks

This some dark magic right here, is what this is.


The Top 100:


100. May 21st- Avery Bradley's three to seal comeback win vs. Cavs
Eastern Conference Finals, Game 3, Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

No IT, no problem. Watch this perfectly drawn up play to get the ball to Avery Bradley, who is able to hit every part of the basket before getting the ball to fall with one tenth of a second left to stun the Cavs.


99. July 16th- Marcel Ozuna climbs the wall to rob Kike Hernandez
Miami Marlins vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

A tremendous catch by Marcel Ozuna to rob Kike Hernandez, as the Marlins outfielder is able to get a footing on that short left field wall and bring the home run back.


98. April 25th- Josh Reddick takes a home run away from Jason Kipnis
Cleveland Indians vs. Houston Astros

This one requires all kinds of extension. That wall at Progressive Field is not exactly short.


97. October 8th- Aaron Rodgers finds Devante Adams to beat Dallas
Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys

Oh, man this one is great. Time running down against Dallas, it's a rematch of the Divisional Round from last year, and Aaron Rodgers throws this dime into the corner of the end zone to win the game for Green Bay.


96. May 18th- Kevin Kiermaier robs a homer to end the game
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Cleveland Indians

So you're down by three runs in the ninth with two outs and you need to get a little something going. Maybe Alex Colomé hitting a home run will spark a comeback. Kevin Kiermaier says "nope."


95. November 18th- Joseph Woll comes from behind net, flashes leather
Boston College Eagles vs. New Hampshire Wildcats

Nice save, kid. Not really sure why you were this far out of position, but then again, nice save.


94. May 21st- Dan Norton embarrasses defense on long try
London Rugby Sevens, England vs. Scotland

At about the 0:12 second mark of the video, this guy is gone. Like, it doesn't even matter how many players are left in front of him. You know he'll either run through them or juke them out of their shoes.


93. June 17th- Nolen Arenado hits walk off home run to complete cycle
Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants

How do you like them apples? A single, double, triple, and a home run are special. But a walk-off??? To complete the cycle??? That's bonkers. Also listen to this crowd erupt when the ball explodes of Arenado's bat.


92. January 31st- Kawhi Leonard crosses up Victor Oladipo
San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

The cross is impressive, but the layup is absurd. Kawhi Leonard is stupid good.


91. June 17th- Trey Mancini turns bad hop into double play
Baltimore Orioles vs. St. Louis Cardinals

I love me some good heads up baseball. Trey Mancini somehow keeps this ball within reach, and is able to tag both the bag and the runner for the double play.


90. January 15th- Aaron Rodgers finds Jared Cook to set up game-winning FG
NFC Division Playoff, Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys

It's 3rd and 20 with twelve seconds left. Aaron Rodgers somehow finds Jared Cook with this threading-the-needle throw, as Cook keeps both feet in with three seconds to go. Mason Crosby would connect on the subsequent field goal, and the Packers would move on to the NFC Championship.


89. September 2nd- Eddie Williamson's catch and run off the tip drill catch
John Carroll Blue Streaks vs. Wisconsin-Oshkosh Titans

This here is why we practice the tip drill, folks. The pass from Anthony Moeglin ricochets off William Woods and the back of a UW-Oshkosh defender, before landing in the hands of Eddie Williamson, who takes it to the house for JCU.


88. June 28th- Nolan Arenado throws out Ty Blach from his back
Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants

I'm sure the Giants don't enjoy being personally victimized by Nolan Arenado. The third baseman is able to knock down the sharp grounder from Ty Blach, and then throw across the diamond from his back. 


87. May 28th- Chase d'Arnaud makes diving stop to save a hit
San Diego Padres vs. Washington Nationals

Ryan Zimmerman's bat is no match for the glove of Chase d'Arnaud, who lays out and throws from his knees to gun down the runner. Man, I really love web gems, don't you?


86. February 6th- LeBron James banks home game-tying three
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Washintgon Wizards

This guy makes it look too easy. John Wall hits a free throw to put the Wizards up by three, but NOPE! Kevin Love hits LeBron with the long pass, and he drills the three, banking it off the glass​ to tie the game with .3 seconds to go.


85. Ollie Flint knocks opponent out cold with sneaky capoeira kick
Ollie Flint vs. Aaron Gray

As good ol' JR would say: "BAH GOD, THAT KILLED HIM!"


84. March 21st- Sidney Crosby dekes, scores with one hand
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Buffalo Sabres

This is Sidney Crosby. Sidney Crosby is very good. Sidney Crosby skates through literally four Buffalo defenders. Sidney Crosby can score with one freaking hand. Be like Sidney Crosby.


83. July 8th- Dee Gordon goes horizontal to get the out at first
Miami Marlins vs. San Francisco Giants

It straight up does not look like Gordon has a full hand on this ball, it just looks like he flipped it to first, spatula or tennis racket-style. But what a damn great play to make the out. That's hustle right there.


82. August 31st- Michael Warner lays crushing hit on running back
Methodist Monarchs vs. Campbell Fighting Camels

Methodist is my little brother's school. Campbell beat Methodist in this game 70-0. SEVENTY. TO. ZERO. The hit is the game itself wrapped up into one crushing hit. Also the third angle of the clip is the absolute best thing ever. You get a real scope of how far into the past this guy got hit.


81. March 30th- Kareem Smith is faked by crowd chant, throws up prayer, makes it
CIT First Round- Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders vs. UMBC Retrievers

So the crowd starts trying to fake Texas A&M-CC into thinking the shot clock is almost all the way down, when in reality it's got a fair amount of time left. Kareem Smith believes said crowd and heaves up a prayer to try to beat the clock and avoid the violation. Miraculously, he made it. In your face, crowd.


​80. October 15th- Antonio Brown reels in tipped pass, scores to put away Chiefs
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Just when all was lost for the Steelers and the Chiefs were poised to win their sixth straight game, AB somehow came down with this catch and run for a score. All it took was a tip from two Chiefs defenders. Pittsburgh would win the game, and the Chiefs season would pretty much unravel from here. 


79. June 1st- Kyrie Irving makes three (somehow) while being fouled
NBA Finals, Game 1: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors

This is cheat codes. CHEAT CODES. Also he plays in Boston now. So now we get the cheat codes. But yeah, here's your basic "be sure to draw the foul to get three free throws but actually make it because I'm Kyrie Freaking Irving" play.


78. August 23rd- Carmen Duzenack lays out to rob a hit
Minor League Baseball: Hillsboro Hops vs. Boise Hawks

Look at this full extension! Carmen Duzenack puts the "hops" in, well, "Hops." 


77. July 31st- Abreu and Hanson combine for bizarre putout
Chicago White Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays

*Australian accent* Shhh... quiet... we're observing the rare 3-9 putout. Watch carefully as the ball bounces off Jose Abreu's glove and into the waiting mitt of Alen Hanson. Crikey! That's some teamwork!


76. June 16th- Trevor Story dives to snag sinking liner
Colorado Rockies vs. San Francisco Giants

Bases loaded with two outs. Giants threatening to score on a bloop pop to shallow left field. Trevor Story makes a full-extension dive to keep the Rockies in the lead and end the inning.


75. July 2nd- Aaron Altherr makes bobble catch, doubles off Jay Bruce
Cincinnati Reds vs. New York Mets

This does require a little bit of luck and hand-eye coordination, but Aaron Altherr is able to have the wherewithal to make the catch and then throw to first to double up Jay Bruce for the second out of the inning.


74. December 10th- Adam Vinatieri bends extra point in a blizzard
Indianapolis Colts vs. Buffalo Bills

I actually had to get up and walk around a little bit the first time I watched this one. This is more impressive than the snow bowl kick, I'm sorry. Look at the Bills players celebrating before the kick bends back toward the uprights! This is nuts. Vinatieri is a legend.


73. October 15th- Connor McDavid makes crazy assist to Patrick Maroon
Edmonton Oilers vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Connor McDavid is really, really, really good. A little dipsy-doo, spinneroo, behind-the-defender pass to Patrick Maroon to beat Corey Crawford. Vintage McDavid.


72. October 15th- Kenny Still makes catch while falling to the ground
Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets

This is Kenny Stills doing his best impression of Jermaine Kearse in Super Bowl XLIX. This play may have been initially ruled incomplete, but replays showed that the ball never hit the ground.


71. September 1st- Steve Pearce dives into the stands for the catch
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Baltimore Orioles

Steve Pearce does his best Derek Jeter/Anthony Rizzo and dives into the seats to make the grab against the Orioles.


70. June 10th- LeBron dunk after passing to himself off the backboard
NBA Finals, Game 4- Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors

Down 3-0 in this series, LeBron pretty much knew it was over. This ridiculous off-the-backboard pass to himself before slamming it down looks so tame, mostly because LeBron is the best player in the world in full on IDGAF mode.


69. May 25th- Pat Neshek dives to field bunt, throws to first for DP
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies

What's better than a pitcher fielding his position? A pitcher full out diving to field his position. This is just what Pat Neshek does, robbing Ian Desmond as he tries to bunt his way on base.


68. November 11th- Sergei Bobrovski makes save despite 2-0 breakaway
Colombus Blue Jackets vs. Detroit Red Wings

Since the shootout has lost its luster, 3-on-3 overtime is the best thing to happen to the NHL. Watch this great save as Sergei Bobrovski is able to restrain himself from sliding too far over and get just a piece of Andreas Anthanasiou's shot to keep the game tied.


67. April 17th- Pekka Rinne makes miraculous save after puck caroms off boards
Western Conference First Round, Game 3- Nashville Predators vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Somehow, the puck careens off the glass and ricochets toward the net. Pekka Rinne, who was ready to coral the puck initially behind the net, has to dive from below the goal line and somehow gets a paddle on the puck. Nuts.


66. July 9th- Steven Souza Jr. makes great snag in foul ground
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

Diving in foul ground in ballparks like Tampa is difficult because sometimes there are bullpen mounds over there. Steven Souza Jr. plays it masterfully as he lays out to make the catch on Christian Vazquez.


65. May 4th- Dan Muller scores from midfield with one second left
UMass Minutemen vs. Hofstra Pride

Blink and you'll miss it. Dan Muller rifles a shot from about midfield that beats the Hofstra goalie and wins it for UMass.


64. October 5th- Michal Neuvirth robs Anze Kopitar
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Los Angeles Kings

The best kind of save is when everyone in the arena thinks the puck has gone in. That's what happens as Anze Kopitar has a wide open net, only to be stoned cold by Michal Neuvirth, who reaches all the way across and flashes the leather.


63. October 24th- Matt Murray makes paddle save amidst a scrum of players
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Edmonton Oilers

Incredibly, Matt Murray is able to get the paddle across the crease to make a spectacular paddle save, with players literally diving and falling all around him. The Penguins didn't win the cup last season for nothing.


62. May 24th- Michael Brdar flips behind himself for out at third
Northwestern Huskies vs. Michigan Wolverines​

How. HOW? Michael Brdar makes it look like nothing as he basically backhand flips this ball without looking. If this isn't a perfect flip, this thing either falls flat or flies into the seats.


61. July 3rd- Dustin Pedroia gets the out despite throwing error
Boston Red Sox vs. Texas Rangers

Throwing error from third? No problem. Just have Dustin Pedroia there to make a barehanded play off the wall, then gun it back to Mitch Moreland, who tags the runner for the out. This is some voodoo right here.


60. Jackie Bradley Jr. robs potential walk off home run
Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland Athletics

When Ryon Healey hit a long fly ball in the bottom of the ninth, it was pretty much over. That was, until Jackie Bradley Jr. reached up and took away the potential game-winner. And look. He doesn't showboat, doesn't hold it up, just runs back to the dugout, leaving even the announcers in doubt. Like a boss.


59. May 12th- Pablo Cuevas serves up no-look backhand to win point
Madrid Open

Yeah, so this just isn't fair. Eat your heart out, Roger Federer.


58. March 2nd- Taj Gibson intercepts long pass, makes 3/4 length shot other way
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Portland Trail Blazers

Wet. 


57. April 7th- Andrey Vasilevskiy sprawls out to make save
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens

This is some fancy recovery by Vasilevskiy, who makes one save, and is forced to sit up and lay out toward the other side of the net to stop the Canadiens from scoring on the power play.


56. April 5th- West Virginia pitcher barehands comebacker
West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Morehead State Eagles

This is a highlight compilation video, but the play in question is the third clip, about 24 seconds into the video. Watch the West Virginia pitcher barehand a comebacker and throw to first to get the out. Casual.


55. October 5th- Devan Dubnyk sprawls out to make the save
Minnesota Wild vs. Detroit Red Wings

Devan Dubnyk is one of the most underrated goalies in hockey. Watch here as he stones Gustav Nyquist from scoring by sprawling out on the ice.


54. July 14th- Gift Ngoepe makes over the shoulder grab to rob hit
Minor League Baseball: Indianapolis Indians vs. Louisville Bats

Gift Ngoepe makes this gift of a catch, robbing Sebastian Elizade of a hit.


53. January 30th- Luke Kennard nutmegs defender, finds Grayson Allen for three
Duke Blue Devils vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

This play is a combination of many different things. First, it's the desperation of Duke to keep the ball in play. Next, it's the effort of Luke Kennard, who is able to get a hand on it. Next, he's able to nutmeg the Notre Dame defender and have it land right in Grayson Allen's hands, who knocks down the three. Because Duke.


52. August 11th- Byron Buxton twirls around to make catch on the track
Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers

This is straight up highway robbery. Miguel Cabrera lifts one in the air to dead center, and Byron Buxton not only has to whirl around and find it, but also lay out in the strangest way possible in order to make the grab.


51. November 5th- Devante Parker makes one-handed grab near sidelines
Miami Dolphins vs. Oakland Raiders

Devante Parker does his best Odell Beckham Jr. impression for this nifty grab against the Raiders.


And there are still 50 plays to go. For part 2, click here!


Be sure to check out According to Andrew's Best of 2017 spread HERE.