Top 100 Plays of 2017, Part 2
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.
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