Boston Sports have been dominant throughout the 21st century, with memories that will last a lifetime. Reminiscing on the best moments, we take a look at the best Boston sports moments of the 2000s.
5. Tom Brady Takeover 2001
This may have been in the top 3 if it was more recent, but Tom Brady’s excellence becomes normal as time passes. However, the magic of the 2001 season was unmatched, going down in sports history.
Stepping in for an injured Drew Bledsoe, Brady delivered when needed most. After years of mediocrity and below .500 records, the Patriots went 11-5 and won the Super Bowl. What made this even more impressive was that when Brady went down in the AFC Championship game, Bledsoe stepped back in to throw for a touchdown and secure a victory over the Steelers.
4. 2008 NBA Champions
Although it may have been a dominant win, it was a win against the longtime rival Los Angeles Lakers when tensions were high. The big 3 of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce took control, with young Rajon Rondo facilitating.
Kobe Bryant tried his best with almost 26 points per game, but Pierce’s 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists would lead the team to victory. Not only was winning their first championship since 1986 satisfying but doing it to the Lakers meant even more.
3. Bruins and Sox Own 2013
Although these two instances were separate, they made an incredible year for Boston sports. Of course, only the Red Sox won their championship this year, but it was still incredible to see such a run from both teams.
What makes the Bruins so special was their game 7 win against the Leafs. This moment kept the dream alive for Boston, something many doubted heading into the 3rd period. Being down 3, the Bruins rallied back, scoring with 51 seconds left to send the game to overtime. Scoring a goal in overtime won the Bruins the series and kept hope alive.
The Sox were the real ones to dominate in 2013, especially with the moments made along the way. The World Series win seemed to be in jeopardy, with the Detroit Lions up 5-1 in game 2 of the ALCS. Bottom of the 8th, David Ortiz is up to bat. With the bases loaded, he hit the pitch just over the right fielder’s glove, hitting a grand slam to tie it up.
2. The Butler Did It
Things look bleak for the Patriots, despite having the lead in Super Bowl XLIX. Up 28-24 with just 26 seconds on the clock, the Pats should be ecstatic. However, the Seahawks have the ball on the 1-yard line with one of the best running backs in football.
However, electing to throw, Russell Wilson takes a quick one-step drop to pass. He slings the ball on a slant over the middle to Ricardo Lockette. Lockette was having a great game, with 3 catches for 59 yards. However, Malcolm Butler spoiled the party, intercepting the ball and falling down on the 1-yard line. This guaranteed victory for the Pats and will go down in history.
1. 28-3
Quite possibly the best championship game in the history of sports, delivered by the Patriots once again. Super Bowl LI, down 28-3 in the third quarter. New England does not give up and rallies back quickly.
19 fourth-quarter points brought the game to overtime, with incredible catches by Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. James White has a career day, with 2 rushing touchdowns paired with over 100 receiving yards and another score. James White ultimately won it all, reaching across the goal line for a victory.
Jayson Tatum – A Career Perspective
