Through all of the blood, sweat, and tears, there are athletes as well as teams that just simply find a way to win. Their passion elevates to the highest of levels and as a result, they are crowned champions.
This month was filled with exciting sports moments, and although it would be a difficult task to mention all of them, I am proud to announce some standouts…
NBA: Boston Celtics
On June 17th, with the great #17 John Havlicek in the building, the Boston Celtics won their 17thNBA Championship at the TD Banknorth Garden. The Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers, who now share half of all NBA titles with Boston.
The final game of the series, game six, was no contest whatsoever as the Celtics sunk the Lakers 131-92. Ray Allen tied the NBA Finals single game record for three-point shots, draining seven, while Kobe Bryant, the regular season league MVP, was held to 22 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves fans are probably wondering now what could have happened if they kept both Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett, who the team drafted in back-to-back years.
Paul Pierce, the NBA Finals MVP, finally got his wish of earning a championship. Not only did his Celtics win it all this year, but his alma mater, the Kansas Jayhawks, tore down the nets as well.
NHL: Detroit Red Wings
This year, the National Hockey League was thrilled to have two gigantic markets squaring off in the Stanley Cup Finals. Again, in six games, the Detroit Red Wings burned out the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Mellon Arena.
Pittsburgh was close to forcing an overtime match-up in game six when they came just inches from scoring at the buzzer.
Wouldn't that have been something? Sidney Crosby, the NHL's poster boy, heading back to Hockey Town in Detroit for a game seven showdown?
Hockey teams will just have to wait in fear until next season when Mike Babcock, who received a coaching contract extension right after winning the Stanley Cup, and his Detroit Red Wings are back with all engines firing.
U.S. Open: Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods managed to amaze the golf world this June as he captured the 2008 U.S. Open title. He had to finish the tournament off in a sudden-death match at Torrey Pines in San Diego, CA.
Unfortunately, this will be all that people will see of Tiger for awhile… Woods is out for the entire season with knee surgery.
We wish him a speedy recovery.
Triple Crown: Big Brown (Honourable Mention)
Who could not forget the incredible horse, Big Brown? Even though he didn't actually win Triple Crown, he does deserve recognition for his two other victories at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes.
Had he won the Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown, Big Brown would have been the first horse to do so since 1978.
Gallop on my good friend… gallop on…
