2014 was one heck of a year: The Seattle Seahawks won the Superbowl and the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA championships, along with many other events.  There were undeniably many spectacular plays this past year.  But now it is time to pick out the best of the best with the Top Five Plays of 2014!

# 5:  Lance Stephenson’s Game Winning Shot against the Atlanta Hawks on November 7, 2014

The Play: Stephenson inbounded the ball; he passed the ball to his teammate, who then handed it back to Stephenson.  Stephenson received the ball, took a small step back, and launched the ball from deep in the court with a defender in his face.  He released the ball and faded away!  As he skipped around the court, he saw his ball soar in the air, bank off the backboard, and rattle into the basket.

Analysis:  Stephenson’s clutch three-pointer gave the Hornets the win in double overtime against the second best team in the NBA.  He banked the shot in, with a guy in his face, and was fading away. It was a very difficult shot, but he was able to make it.

Reaction:  Aditya Agarwal ‘18 describes his reaction to the shot, saying, “I was so shocked.  Looking at his shot, I didn’t think he was going to make it, but when he did, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was so amazed.”

Check out the play here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKmtMafKTJY

# 4:  Kyrie Irving’s crossover on Pablo Prigioni

The Play:  Irving started off just casually dribbling, previewing some of his whimsical dribbling skills.  Prigioni was well aware of the amazing capabilities of Irving, yet he still attempted to steal the ball a few times. Then, Tristan Thompson ran up to the top of the key, and set a screen on Prigioni.  Irving did a between-the-legs move, a behind-the-back move, and a crossover… then he put Prigioni on skates.  While Prigioni was confused and lost, Irving stepped behind the three-point line, and dunked the shot in front of Prigioni’s face.

Analysis:  Irving’s crossover on Prigioni was truly magnificent.  He changed his direction twice, and Prigioni got so confused he didn’t know which way Irving was going. Consequently, Irving was able to shoot and make the three-point shot.

Reaction:  Jeffery Sun ‘15 shared his opinion on Irving’s move: “I thought it was spectacular, and a truly awesome play.  I watch the replays over and over again, and I’m amazed every time.”

You can watch it too here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nk-M-9gUWBk

# 3:  Blake Griffin’s Game Winning Shot against the Phoenix Suns on December 8, 2014

The Play:  Chris Paul, the Clippers’ starting point guard, inbounded the ball to Blake Griffin.  Griffin caught it, faked the hand off to Paul, stepped back, and launched a three-pointer with his defender’s hand in his face.  The ball bounced off the top of the rim, hit the backboard, and rolled in.

Analysis:  Blake Griffin is not a forward, or even a center.  He is not known for his shooting abilities.  He is never the go-to guy when it comes to clutch situations; however, the fact that Blake Griffin made a game-winning three pointer was simply unbelievable.  Also, the lucky bounce! It bounced up on the rim, smacked the backboard, and fell into the net in spectacularly a lucky shot, which you can see for yourself here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pPla33x4eU

# 2:  Brent Grimes interception of Matthew Stafford against the Detroit Lions

The Play:  Stafford launched the ball deep to Calvin Johnson, his favorite wide receiver; however, sensational Miami Dolphins’ cornerback, Brent Grimes, leapt about 3-4 feet in the air and bent backwards to grab the ball with his right hand.  As he was sliding on the turf, he managed to successfully plant his feet on the ground before going out-of-bounds.

Analysis:  Grimes literally twisted his body so that he could grab the ball, jumping very high in the air, and was able to successfully come down with the ball.  This was a very difficult catch to make – yet somehow, Brent Grimes was able to pull it off:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMKVExVCA-4

# 1: Odell Beckham Jr.’s one-handed, touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys

The Play:  New York Giants’ quarterback, Eli Manning, launched a deep ball to Odell Beckham Jr.  Beckham was being restricted and pulled down by his defender, but Beckham was able to shake him off and get free.  He leapt into the air, bent his body 90 degrees (literally!) and fully extended his right arm across his body, palming the ball in his sturdy hands.  With the ball in his hands, he then stumbled into the end zone and scored a touchdown for the New York Giants.

Analysis:  This catch was a very difficult one for Beckham to make.  He jumped so far and so high while extending his hand far back and twisted his body so much so that he was actually parallel with the ground. The fact that he was able to keep his feet in bounds was simply incredible .

Reaction:  This catch was arguably named the best catch in the history of the NFL.  Dilara Shahani ’18 expresses her feelings about Beckham’s extraordinary catch: “His catch was so amazing!  I was astounded when I saw that play.  I mean, how is that possible?  I was in disbelief; I thought my eyes were playing a trick on me.  I was just in awe.  I do believe Odell Beckham Jr. will have a beyond imaginable career as a wide receiver in the NFL.”

You can watch the now-famous catch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbT4NMC1ZKA