Top 10 sports moments of the decade

Each year gives sports fans some incredible moments, so it’s difficult to narrow down the top 10 of the last 10 years.

Like everything in sports, this list is up for debate, but here are my 10 most memorable moments in sports from the 2010s.

10. Ray Allen Finals shot

In the last minute of game six of the 2013 NBA Finals and the Heat down by three points, LeBron James missed a shot that rebounded right to Allen, who hit a fade away three-pointer to tie the game and escape elimination.

The Heat would go on to beat the San Antonio Spurs in seven games.

9. LBJ Block

In the final minutes of  game seven of the 2016 NBA Finals, Andre Igoudala was driving toward a wide open basket with a chance to take the lead in the game. LeBron James came flying in with an amazing block to keep the game tied, allowing the Cavaliers to beat the Golden State Warriors and give the city of Cleveland its first title in 52 years.

8. Villanova’s NCAA title

In the March Madness 2016 NCAA Finals, Villanova and North Carolina were tied at 74 in the last seconds of the game. The ball was run down the court by Villanova and passed to Kris Jenkins who shot a 3-pointer as time expired, winning the championship for the Wildcats.

7. Beast Mode

In a 2011 NFL playoff game, Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch nearly ran through the Saints entire defense and broke nine tackles on his way to an unbelievable 67-yard TD.

The jumping from crazed fans in the stands reacting to this run was so loud that a local seismometer registered it as a minor earthquake, since titled Beast Quake.

6. OBJ one handed grab

New York Giants star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was thrown a deep ball toward the end zone with two defenders draped all over him. As pass interference flags flew OBJ reached out with one hand as far back as it could go and made the grab. This catch launched the world into a frenzy of catching things with one had while yelling “OBJ.”

5. Minneapolis Miracle

In a 2018 playoff game between the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings, there was less than 10 seconds left and the Vikings were 61 yards away from the end zone. It seemed the Saints would win and move to the next round.

In a last ditch effort, quarterback Case Keenum hit wide receiver Stefon Diggs on a 31-yard pass misplayed by the defense, allowing Diggs to run untouched for the final 30 yards to give the Vikings the win.

4. Kick Six

Alabama had a last minute field goal attempt to win the Iron Bowl. As the ball was kicked short into the end zone, Auburn’s Chris Davis returned it 109 yards to win the game.

3. Cardinal comeback 2011

Down three games to two in the 2011 World Series, the Cardinals went into the ninth inning trailing 7-5. Down to their last strike, Cardinals infielder David Freese hit a double off the right field wall, scoring two runs to tie the game.

The game went to the 10th when the Rangers scored twice. St. Louis was again one strike away from losing the series when they tied it again and ultimately won on a David Freese homer in the bottom of the 11th. The Cardinals went on to win the World Series.

2. 2019 U.S Women’s World Cup gold medal

The U.S. Women’s National Team won its second straight World Cup title in dominating fashion.

Led by Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan, the U.S. beat Netherlands 2-0 in the finals in July to complete a perfect 6-0 cup. They are widely considered the best women’s soccer team in the world, and have been an inspiration to many.

1. Cubs 2016 World Series championship

After an agonizing 108 year wait, the Chicago Cubs finally won a World Series championship in 2016.

Down three games to one to the Cleveland Indians, the Cubs rallied to win the next three games to claim the championship, winning Game 7 8-7 in 10 innings.

The Cubs had one of the longest championship droughts in professional sports. They played a well fought series against the Indians, who still haven’t won a World Series since 1948.

By winning, the Cubs finally broke the perceived Billy Goat curse, which dates back to 1945.