Decade in Review- Nos. 10-1

Here we go!

Now for the final installment of the decade in review.  Enjoy!

10. The Chicago Bulls defeat the Boston Celtics 128-127 in Game 6 of the first round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs

Where I was- Melissa and my apartment on Lexington’s east side

What stands out- Following five epic games, the young 2009 Chicago Bulls were 48 minutes of basketball away from elimination when they returned to the United Center.  Heartbreaking losses in Games two and five rendered Game Six a must win and Vinny Del Negro’s club did not disappoint.  With John Salmons and Ben Gordon leading the way, the Bulls pushed Boston to overtime but were unable to find a way to close the door.  After squandering a five point lead in regulation, six point advantage in overtime, and four point surplus in double OT, Chicago faced a key defensive possession with less than a minute remaining in triple overtime and a slim one point cushion.  Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo floated a pass just out of Paul Pierce’s reach and led to a Joakim Noah steal.  The second year forward threw down a thunderous dunk despite Pierce’s sixth foul and would hand the Bulls a four-point lead.  After a furious Celtics comeback and pair of missed Chicago free throws, Derrick Rose blocked Rondo’s shot as time expired and sent the series into a deciding seventh game.

Personal significance- I doubted Derrick Rose’s ability to lead the Bulls in the playoffs.  There I said it.  He was a 19-year old rookie with a streaky shot and only 40 games of collegiate experience.  Boy was I wrong.  Game Six was the most exciting NBA playoff game of my adult life and marked the Bulls return to NBA relevance to many.  Rose was phenomenal- shooting when his team needed it and finding the hot hand when they did not.  This was the first time I truly came to realize how good DRose could be and got excited about the next decade of Bulls basketball.

Collective significance- Sports Illustrated called the Bulls-Celtics series the second best playoff matchup of the decade and highlighted Game Six as the silver medalist for best single game.  The triple overtime thriller pitted grizzled veterans against young stars and involved clutch shots, big defensive stops, and heart stopping drama.  In short, it was an instant classic.  Although the Bulls would go on to lose Game Seven two days later, the incredible atmosphere surrounding the entire series is credited with increasing interest in the NBA as a whole and the Bulls in particular.

9. The Indianapolis Colts defeat the Chicago Bears 29-17 in Super Bowl XLI

Where I was- My parents’ home hosting a Windy City Super Bowl party

What stands out- Super Bowl XLI pitted Peyton Manning and the NFL’s best offense against Brian Urlacher and the league’s most terrifying defense, but special teams were the story that opened the night.  For the first time in Super Bowl history, the opening kickoff was returned for a touchdown with Bears return man Devin Hester doing the honors.  After a very shaky Peyton Manning threw an interception, Chicago kicker Robbie Gould drilled a mid-range field goal to hand the Bears a 10-0 lead.  Then the wheels fell off.  Playing on a rain soaked field, the Monsters of Midway got a full dose of “Bad Rex” as Chicago quarterback Rex Grossman threw two interceptions to go with four fumbles.  Over the final fifty minutes, the Colts outscored Lovie Smith’s Bears 29-7 and went on to win the franchise’s first championship.

Personal significance- This game just crushed me.  I love the Bears and was too young to remember the Super Bowl XX triumph, so this was my first chance to see my team win an NFL title.  In a packed room of Bears fans, I celebrated and high-fived as Devin Hester blew by Colts defenders and cheered Peanut Tillman’s interception.  But the room was eerily quiet for the next two hours.  Every Peyton Manning completion and Rex Grossman blunder pushed reality further into my mind.  At the end of the night, I shook my head as the Colts celebrated and the Bears left the field for what would be their last playoff game for at least four seasons.

Collective significance- His mediocre play notwithstanding, this game is remembered as the night Peyton Manning won his ring.  Hoisting the Lombardi trophy in Miami ensured the New Orleans native would be forever recognized among the game’s best.  Conversely, the Chicago media eviscerated Lovie Smith for his loyalty to Rex Grossman and questioned his coaching for the first time.  Although Smith would later receive a massive contract extension, the seeds of doubt cultivated by the holes in Lovie’s famous Cover Two were sewed in Miami and are now monstrous fields of frustration.

8. The Kentucky Wildcats defeat the LSU Tigers 43-37 in football in 2007

Where I was- Section 105 of Lexington’s Commonwealth Stadium

What stands out- The Kentucky Wildcats were one of the feel good stories of the 2007 college football season.  Ranked in the top 20, Rich Brooks’s team of homegrown talent had already knocked off one top ten opponent and had their sights firmly on number one LSU.  Playing before a captivated national television audience, the Cats fell behind 24-14 midway through the third quarter and seemed out of their element.  Needing a big play, wide receiver Dicky Lyons lit a fire under the Cats when he delivered a brutal block to set up a Jacob Tamme touchdown.  With Kentucky back in the game, LSU seemed stunned.  The Cats kicked a pair of field goals and tipped a potential Tiger game winner as time expired to take it to overtime.  When the score remained knotted after a pair of extra sessions, Kentucky took the field with a chance to make a national statement.  Facing third down and goal, Andre Woodson found Steve Johnson in the back of the endzone to put the Cats up six.  When Kentucky linebacker Braxton Kelley stopped LSU on fourth down, the stands emptied and the Cats celebrated their first win over a top ranked team in 44 years.

Personal significance- Despite a serious bout with the stomach flu, I enjoyed this game thoroughly.  As my top rated college football game of the decade, that is fairly apparent.  Never in my life had I believed a Kentucky football team would compete for the BCS crown, but after upending LSU there was legitimate talk of a huge bowl game in the future.  The Cats were 6-1, ranked fifth in the nation and fans in Lexington could not wait to snap the streaks that plagued the program for decades.  For a week, I actually believed the Cats were heading to a BCS title showdown with Ohio State.

Collective significance- For seven days, Kentucky- a basketball school- owned the college football world.  The Cats only blemish was a freak game in the rain in South Carolina and seemed set to win their first SEC crown in three decades.  ESPN said so as did Sports Illustrated.  Unfortunately, Kentucky would lose four of its last five games and back their way into the 2007 Music City Bowl.

Older MJ is still MJ

7. The Washington Wizards defeat the Indiana Pacers 83-78 in 2003

Where I was- Indianapolis’s Canseco Fieldhouse

What stands out- For the final time in his illustrious career, Michael Jordan took the floor in Indianapolis to face off with career rival Reggie Miller.  Playing for a mediocre Wizards team, Jordan thrived- scoring 15 first quarter points en route to a 27-point evening.  With MJ at the helm, the Wizards tore away from the playoff bound Pacers despite a three-pointer filled Reggie Miller comeback.

Personal significance- Like many Chicago Bulls fans, I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan.  Unfortunately, I was unable to see him play live until the twilight of his Hall of Fame career.  That said, at age 40 MJ was visibly on his own level as he dominated younger wing defenders.  Although I wish I could have seen Mike at his high-flying greatest, I feel privileged to have seen him live.

Collective significance-  Despite ranking as the highest NBA game of the decade on my blog, this was just another ho-hum regular season game during a 2003 campaign featuring many better contests.  True, the Pacers delivered a wonderful tribute to Jordan during the pre-game festivities, but in fact it was merely a run-of-the-mill game in a somewhat forgettable season for the Wizards.

College basketball as we knew it changed

6. The University of Kentucky hires John Calipari as men’s basketball coach

Where I was- Melissa and my apartment on Lexington’s east side

What stands out- After two disastrous seasons at the helm of the greatest program in college basketball history, Billy Gillispie was fired as Kentucky men’s basketball coach.  Knowing he needed a slam dunk hire, UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart lured Memphis head coach and recruiting guru John Calipari to Lexington to take over college hoops royalty.  Within six weeks of his hiring, Cal made the media rounds, brought the top two 2009 recruits (John Wall and Demarcus Cousins) to Kentucky, spiked interest from 2010 and 2011 classes, secured commitments from boosters, and most importantly brought the swagger back to UK basketball.  Although critics attacked Calipari for taking his entire Memphis recruiting class to Lexington and cited program issues in the past, Coach Cal dominated the news cycle in a way college basketball had not seen in a decade in a preview of the season that would be to come.

Personal significance- As Coach Cal said in his opening press conference, “in Kentucky success is only measured by national championships.”  During twelve years under Tubby Smith and Billy Gillispie, the Cats had only three legitimate chances to play on basketball’s final weekend, but there was no hope of such success during the previous four seasons.  Kentucky needed a recruiting genius whose style and passion matched that of the fans.  Coach Cal was that counterpoint.  I wanted to be excited about Kentucky basketball in the worst way, but was tired of trying to justify potential March upsets of sneaking into the tournament.  That is not something about which Cal’s recent teams worried.  Indeed, it was a new day in Lexington.

Collective significance- Kentucky basketball was back.  After four seasons in college basketball’s sea of mediocrity and the laughing stock of the blue bloods, opposing fans worried about the Cats.  Calipari ensured big name recruits would flock to Lexington and that Kentucky would compete on a national level every night.  More importantly, the Cats had a big name coach to match the name on the front of their jersey.  UK was back and now the nation knew it.

Schumacher caps a rare 2000 Ferrari 1-2

5. Michael Schumacher wins the 2000 United States Grand Prix

Where I was- Grandstand J at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

What stands out- For the first time in nine years, Formula One returned to the United States in the midst of an incredibly exciting world championship bout.  With three rounds remaining, a pair of double world titlists- Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen- were separated by only two points.  Schumacher’s Ferrari dominated qualifying from the outset, but fell behind Hakkinen’s Mclaren teammate David Coulthard at the start.  When it was apparent the Scotsman jumped the start, he began to intentionally slow Schumacher in an effort to allow his teammate to catch the German.  Michael then pulled off one of the most daring passes of the season- flying by DC on the outside of the tight turn one right hander and looked poised to drive into the distance.  Adhering to team orders, Coulthard let Hakkinen through and the race was on.  For 17 laps, the championship contenders battled until Mika’s exhaust system failed and burst into flames on the infield section of the course.  Hakkinen returned to the pits a broken spirit as Schumacher would drive to his seventh win of the season- clinching the championship in Japan two weeks later.

Personal significance-  Growing up a Formula One fan in America was difficult.  The series had not held an event in the eastern half of the country in fourteen years and fans were often unable to afford the massive financial burden associated with traveling abroad to see racing action.  IMS changed that and treated fans to a great event.  Personally, seeing Schumacher lay the foundation for his third championship was awe inspiring and worth every minute of sitting in the cold early morning September rain.

Collective significance- Although the title fight would go on to Japan, Schumacher’s victory in the U.S. effectively ended Mclaren’s run of two consecutive championships.  Interestingly, the two competitors- Schumacher and Hakkinen- would take different career paths as a result of this race.  Emotionally beaten, Mika Hakkinen would win only two more races over the final 20 events of his illustrious career.  Conversely, Michael Schumacher went on to win five consecutive world championships and 50 more races.  In short, the 2000 U.S. Grand Prix altered both men’s careers in a previously unfathomable manner.

4. The Chicago Bears defeat the Arizona Cardinals 24-23 in 2006

Where I was- My parents’ basement with my mother

What stands out- Entering the Week 6 Monday Night Football game at a perfect 5-0, the Chicago Bears were the early class of the 2006 season.  With a previously unstoppable offense and stout defense, the Bears seemed poised to ravage the lowly Cardinals en route a potentially perfect season.  But that is why they play the game.  Chicago quarterback Rex Grossman looked human for the first time all season and the Bears defense missed assignments- leading to a 23-3 deficit late in the third quarter.  Then came one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.  Bears safety Mike Brown recovered a fumble and returned it 10 yards for a touchdown to narrow the lead to 13 and Brian Urlacher forced a fumble which Charles Tillman returned for an additional seven points.  With two minutes remaining, the Bears remarkably had a chance to take the lead when Arizona prepared to punt the ball away.  In what would be his national coming out party, Chicago return man Devin Hester took the punt back 83 yards for the go ahead touchdown.  When the Arizona desperation field goal missed as time expired, the Chicago sideline erupted and Cardinals coach Dennis Green went ballistic.

Personal significance- This entire day was a series of polar opposites.  After walking home three miles in the pouring rain when my car would not start- a fate that hit my mother as well- we made a huge MNF celebration dinner in expectation of a huge win.  Then the Bears turned in their worst half of football of the season, but we stayed up.  As my mom said, you never know what can happen in sports.  The score tightened and we both started to hope a win was in the cards.  When Neil Rackers’ kick sailed wide to the left as time expired we both leapt off the couch in celebration of what would be my most memorable football game of the decade.

Collective significance- Four years later, this is remembered as the Dennis Green rant game- for the Cardinals head coach’s bizarre post game eruption.  For Bears fans, that October night was the moment we collectively began to not only hope for wins, but expect a monumental season.  Although the 2006 Bears would not reach the mountain top, this win alone will stay with the fan base for eternity.

3. The Florida Gators defeat the Kentucky Wildcats 66-63 in 2007

Where I was- The Erruption Zone in Rupp Arena on my first date with Melissa

What stands out- For the first time in two years, ESPN’s College Gameday came to Lexington to highlight a marquee national match-up.  The 18^th ranked Wildcats would host top ranked and reigning NCAA champion Florida in a heavily anticipated battle.  Kentucky fans wanted blood and came out in full force.  With the lower arena checkered in blue and white and a patriotic crowd singing of the Star Spangled Banner, the night had the makings of a special event.  Kentucky center Randolph Morris battled foul trouble throughout the first half and the Cats entered the break trailing by nine.  The gap remained the same for much of the second stanza and prompted Kentucky fans to head for the exits in the final minute.  But a streak of luck seemed to finally hit.  After making only one three point shot during the first 39 minutes of play, Ramel Bradley converted on a pair of trifectas to knife the Gator lead to three with ten seconds remaining.  Florida forward Al Horford inexplicable threw the ball out of bounds when trying to find an open teammate and gave the Cats a chance to tie.  Going with the hot hand, Kentucky gave the ball to Bradley whose game-tying three-point attempt rimmed out as time expired.

Personal significance- Honestly, this game mattered more because it was my first date with my soon to be wife Melissa than anything else.  While it was my first time in Kentucky’s wild student endzone section-the Erruption Zone- and was the biggest home game played at Rupp in four years, the event itself did not live up to the billing.  The exciting comeback notwithstanding, I remember little about the evening aside from trying to impress Melissa.  Three years later, only one of those Kentucky players and none of the coaches remain (for the better in my opinion), but she and I are still together.  That says something.

Collective significance- To outside observers, the loss to Florida was the beginning of the end of Tubby Smith’s tenure in Lexington.  Fans were restless after a disappointing 2006 campaign, but the Cats dropped three consecutive conference games beginning with the loss to the hated Gators and showed no improvement on the previous season.  Although ESPN praised the atmosphere and highlighted some of the play on the UK side, the evening was symptomatic of many of Tubby’s failures in Lexington- solid fundamentals but lack of athleticism to combat top flight competition.

2. The Kentucky Wildcats defeat the Florida Gators 70-55 in 2003

Where I was- Section 232 of Lexington’s Rupp Arena with my mother

What stands out- For the first time in 24 years, Kentucky would host a top ranked opponent.  After a series of top three upsets, Florida found its way to the top of the men’s basketball rankings for the first time in school history and would play sixth ranked Kentucky in Lexington.  When asked about playing before the most passionate fans in basketball, Gator freshman Anthony Roberson said he “had seen the place and didn’t think it was a big deal.”  With Rupp Arena packed to the roof 90 minutes before tip-off, the Gators heard chants of “overrated” throughout their warm-ups.  When the ball went up, things seemed set for a classic rivalry game.  The Cats held a slim 12-10 lead at the under-16 media timeout and Roberson looked to be correct.  Then the floodgates opened.  On the back of an overpowering crowd, the Cats went on a 29-12 run to conclude the half and would lead by as many as 29 points before Tubby Smith called off the dogs.  Throughout the game, ESPN commentator Dick Vitale screamed that this was embarrassing and lauded the Cats effort.  At the end of the night, the final score was flattering to a battered and bruised Florida team.

Personal significance- I actually had tickets to see the Pacers and Lakers in Indianapolis that night.  On the morning of the game, my mom called and asked told me she wanted to go to the Kentucky game.  I agreed and so she drove to Cincinnati to take me to Lexington hoping to find scalped tickets.  Seven hours before tipoff, we found one scalper who sold us a pair of tickets for $200.  As we returned to Rupp that night, ticket brokers around the arena complained that it was impossible to find tickets to sell and lambasted selling seats early for “such low prices.”  The game was unbelievable.  Throughout Kentucky’s game deciding opening half run, the arena seats shook from the noise.  Between dunks and nailed three-pointers, my mom punched me in the arm from excitement to the point that I had bruises for a week.  When the final horn sounded, we both were so excited we could have watched another full game.  On the drive back to Cincinnati, we each replayed the incredible night that we would later both remark we would never forget.

Collective significance- For the first time in five years, Kentucky was a national championship contender and the Super Tuesday beatdown proved it.  Humiliating a top ranked team in the manner the Cats did was unthinkable and has yet to find an equal.  That said, the game is most popular among Cats fans for Dick Vitale’s repetitive screeching about Florida’s embarrassment.

EFF!

1. The Florida Marlins defeat the Chicago Cubs 8-3 in Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS

Where I was- My apartment in Cincinnati

What stands out- Despite falling 4-0 to the Florida Marlins in Game 5 of the 2003 NLCS, the Chicago Cubs returned home with a chance to win their first National League Championship in 55 years.  The North Siders turned to ace Mark Prior and were the logical pick to win on that cold night in the Windy City.  After plating a pair of early runs, the Cubs knocked home what looked like a needless insurance run to take a 3-0 lead in the seventh inning.  By this point, the crowd outside Wrigley Field began to grow.  Fans were in the streets preparing to celebrate the end of the series of bizarre curses associated with Chicago baseball.  Prior took the mound in the eighth inning for his most important frame.  After retiring Marlins lead-off man Juan Pierre, the Cubs were only five outs away from reaching the World Series.  Luis Castillo then stepped to the plate and battled with Prior after falling behind 0-2.  On the fifth 0-2 pitch, Castillo popped a pitch toward the left field foul territory seats where a fan (Steve Bartman) reached over and interfered with Moises Alou’s attempt to catch the ball.  After a lengthy debate, the umpiring crew ruled there was no interference and play continued.  Castillo walked and was then driven in by a Derrek Lee double.  Manager Dusty Baker removed Prior in favor of inconsistent reliever Kyle Farnsworth.  The powerful righty induced a potential double-play ground ball on the first pitch, but Cubs shortstop Alex Gonzalez bobbled the soft drive and all runners reached safely.  Farnsworth suddenly lost his ability to throw strikes.  Seven more runs would score forcing Game Seven.

Personal significance- The Bartman game was the worst day of my life.  Bar none.  Inherent in that statement is an illustration of how fortunate I have been, as a baseball game qualifies as the lowest point of my relatively young adulthood.  I want the Chicago Cubs to win the World Series more than almost anything and 2003 was the first (and to this point only) time I had reason to expect that might occur.  Mark Prior was invincible in the 2003 postseason- until that eighth inning.  The Cubs bullpen was unhittable against the Marlins- until that night.  Although the Cubs had a chance to win the series the next night with co-ace Kerry Wood taking the mound, I just knew it was over.  I sat on the couch alone and cried that night in a way I never imagined possible.  Fox analyst Tim McCarver pointed out that the famous Red Sox Buckner error occurred in Game Six as well.  It took the BoSox 18 years to recover and win a world title.  I hope it does not take the Cubbies that long.

Collective significance- The national media used the Bartman game as clear proof that the Cubs are a cursed franchise and guaranteed that only some sort of karma would lead to the events that took place that night.  In Chicago, the reaction ranged from furious to suicidal.  The Chicago Tribune published Steve Bartman’s name and contact information.  Fans blamed Dusty Baker for leaving Prior in too long, Alex Gonzalez for the error, and Bartman for interference.  According to Gallup polling, it was the least productive workday in the city since the Great Depression.  Seven years later, this remains the defining moment in the city’s sports culture among a supermajority of fans.

Thanks for reading and I hope everyone enjoyed my Decade in Review Top 100!