From a euphoric buzzer-beater in Dallas, to a stunner in the Premier League and a startling knockout, here are the top five videos of the week from around the sports World.
This article contains the Top Five Sports Videos of the Week in the 2nd May edition. Videos are featured from the NBA Playoffs, UFC 172, Premier League, a renowned press conference and more. These videos are powered by YouTube. Playback through the article may not work on some devices. If this is the case, each video is provided with an external link below, forwarding you to the actual YouTube webpage. NBA Playoffs: Dallas Triumph From Vince Carter’s Last-Gasp Winner For a few moments, as the ball drifted in the air towards the rim, and the clock expired, the American Airlines Center was silent. That would all change a split second later. After Vince Carter got the final shot off in the game following an inbound pass, it did in fact go in, meaning Dallas Mavericks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of their NBA Playoffs clash.
Swansea’s Jonjo Shelvey stamped down a Goal of the Season candidate up against Aston Villa in the weekend, firing it from incredibly long-range. Did anyone expect that?
UFC 172: Full Coverage – Jones Shuts Down Teixiera In Bolstering Baltimore » NBA: The Stand Against Racism After a tape of LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling expressing racial remarks surfaced, the league was thrown into an uproar, with players’ protest, sponsorship deals collapsing, and Playoff games were on the verge of cancellation. Then, it was the opposite. Adam Silver issued a lifetime ban to Donald Sterling along with a hefty fan and much more limitations.
NBA: Clippers Bounce Back From Controversy » Football: Dani Alves Eats a Banana Barcelona footballer Dani Alves responded to racism with humor – after a banana was thrown towards him on the pitch as an act of racism, the Brazilian simply opened it up and took a big bite. It went viral on social media as people backed the Barcelona full-back for his response and also prompted a #WeAreAllMonkeys campaign.
WRITE FOR US as we are now recruiting more writers. If you are interested in showcasing your sports writing / journalism skills, and have a passion in writing in our wide range of sports, learn more at this page.
This week’s Top 10 is dominated by the NBA Playoffs which have gotten into full swing over the course, while more IPL and Champions League find their spots too. Here are the top 10 sports stars from this week.
These power rankings revolve around several different sports, rather than the usual power rankings which rank sports stars or teams from only one sport. Whether a footballer or fighter, or NBA star and Formula 1 driver, their performances over the past week are accredited side-by-side with other athletes for the coveted top spot. Power Rankings are released every Sunday and account for sports a week prior. #10 Wladmir Klitschko BOXING | NEWLY RANKED Ukranian Heavyweight Wladmir Klitschko successfully defended his titles against unsung Australian Alex Lepai. Overwhelmingly one-sided, Klitschko finished the Australian in the fifth round. However, much criticism was directed at the towering East-European, after his reluctance to take bigger fights. #9 Gary CahillFOOTBALL | NEWLY RANKED Chelsea defender Gary Cahill was a key cornerstone of the Blues’ defensive masterclass in the Champions League semi-final first leg this week, where they held Atletico to a goalless draw at the Vicente Calderon Stadium. #8 NeneNBA | NEWLY RANKED Washington Wizards’ NBA Playoff chances were boosted by the surprising emergence of Nene, taking the stand for Wizards against the Bulls. However, after good performances in the first three games of the best-of-seven series, the Brazilian was suspended for the next game after an altercation with Bulls’ Butler. #7 Jonjo ShelveyFOOTBALL | NEWLY RANKED A goal of the year contender emerged from the Liberty Stadium, in the form of Jonjo Shelvey’s stunner from just outside the halfway line, helping his side shut out Aston Villa. #6 Jon JonesUFC | NEWLY RANKED UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones overcame another formidable challenger to break history in the division. 26-year-old Jones shut down dangerous Glover Teixeira over five rounds to set his sights on the next in a long-line of fighters waiting for a shot at the Gold. #5 Glenn MaxwellCRICKET | NEWLY RANKED Glenn Maxwell can assemble quite the knock – and Kings XI Punjab would see the same as Maxwell lifted his IPL side over Sunrisers Hyderabad. His key 95 runs would contain 9 sixes in total of 14 boundaries. #4 Raheem SterlingFOOTBALL | NEWLY RANKED Liverpool’s youngster Raheem Sterling made a contribution to Liverpool’s nervy win over Norwich City at Carrow Road. Assisting Suarez and scoring from long-range, he continues to grow as a player and silence more critics. #3 LeBron JamesNBA | NEWLY RANKED Miami Heat have dominated the Charlotte Bobcats over the first three-games of the Round 1 Playoffs tie. Last season’s MVP, LeBron, had made key contributions as far as Game 3, scoring 30 points and adding 10 rebounds. #2 LaMarcus AldridgeNBA | NEWLY RANKED Portland Trail Blazers’ LaMarcus Aldridge torched the Houston Rockets in the first two-games of the NBA Playoffs. Combining for a total of 89 points over the first two games, he helped the Oregon-based team pick up back-to-back road wins. #1 Cristiano Ronaldo SPORT | NEWLY RANKED After a solid performance to deter Bayern Munich on Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo scored two stunning long-range goals against Osasuna, to reach the 30-goal mark for the season, topping this week’s rankings for more incredible performances. That’s all for this week’s power rankings. Ronaldo tops it, while the NBA Playoffs take up a lot of space. More
GET INVOLVED with your opinions. Do you agree with this week’s power rankings? Why not send us your own Top 10 – use the comments section at the bottom of the article, send us an email, Tweet us your views or post thoughts to our Facbook page.
WRITE FOR US as we are now recruiting more writers. If you are interested in showcasing your sports writing / journalism skills, and have a passion in writing in our wide range of sports, learn more at this page.
Lewis Hamilton and Gareth Bale are among this week’s Top #10 in the Power Rankings after standout performances in their respective performances. But who else made the list?
These power rankings revolve around several different sports, rather than the usual power rankings which rank sports stars or teams from only one sport. Whether a footballer or fighter, or NBA star and Formula 1 driver, their performances over the past week are accredited side-by-side with other athletes/sports related people for the coveted top spot. Power Rankings are released every Sunday and account for sports a week prior. This week featured the Copa Del Rey Final, start of the NBA Playoffs, Premier League shockers, the beginning of the IPL season and two UFC fight cards – so many were jockeying for position atop the 10. Notable mentions Quite frankly, ten isn’t enough to appropriately rank a variety of sports athletes / affiliates, so this helps spread the weight of that calamity as we make do with the Top #10. Raheem Sterling delivered a standout performance against Norwich City just as this was being published, along with other Premier League players. Nico Rosberg’s achievements couldn’t be overlooked either. #10 Fabricio Werdum UFC | NEWLY RANKED Fabricio Werdum sealed a showdown with Champion Cain Velasquez after dispatching dangerous striker Travis Browne, decimating him over the course of five rounds in Orlando, Florida. Although the Brazillian was far from finishing the Hawaiian knockout artist, he dictated the fight throughout. #9 EvolutionWWE | NEWLY RANKED The reformed tandem of Randy Orton, Batista and Triple H would stun The Shield inflicting their own-game upon them on Monday Night RAW. WWE’s COO teaming up with the two top contenders is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, and they proved it when they dismantled The Shield on Monday night.
Video: Evolution attack The Shield after an 11-on-3 handicap match YOUTUBE / WWE
#8 Jacques KallisCRICKET | NEWLY RANKED South African Jacques Kallis delivered a superb knock of 72 runs in the opening game of the Indian Premier League. Posting the score of 72 from 46 balls, he was the cornerstone of Kolkota’s 41-run victory over the Mumbai Indians.
INDIAN TIMES
#7 Connor WickhamFOOTBALL | NEWLY RANKED Sunderland striker Connor Wickham not only contributed to Sunderland’s stunning win at Chelsea to end Mourinho’s impeccable record, but his double came close to thwarting Manchester City, although the Black Cats would go on to draw. Aged 21, he is proving to be a big prospect for the Tyneside team.
The striker scored at Man City and Chelsea this week
#6 Paul PierceNBA | NEWLY RANKED Brooklyn Nets’ Paul Pierce proved too much for the Toronto Raptors in the inaugural game of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. A late surge saw him put nine points up in the final three minutes to snatch homecourt advantage away from the Raptors.
Video: Paul Pierce helps Nets sink Raptors in Game 1 YOUTUBE / ESPN / NBA
#5 Tony PulisFOOTBALL | NEWLY RANKED That’s right, a football manager has broken into the power rankings. And fittingly so, its Crystal Palace’s Tony Pulis, who has overseen his side take two successive away wins at Everton and West Ham, adding to their five game win streak that has propelled them into Premier League safety for the first time in the club’s history.
Tony Pulis saw his side reach safety in the Premier League EXPRESS.CO.UK
#4 Kevin DurantNBA | NEWLY RANKED Kevin Durant closed off the NBA regular season by claiming his fourth scoring title with an impressive average of 32 points per game. Stating his case for possible MVP, Oklahoma City Thunder’s forward scored a marquee 42 points against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night to put an exclamation mark on the milestone.
Video: Kevin Durant puts up 42 points against the Detroit Pistons YOUTUBE / FOX SPORTS / NBA Video not working? View here
#3 Bubba WatsonGOLF | NEWLY RANKED American Golfer Bubba Watson ranked high this week after his Augusta triumph in the U.S. Masters. Seeing off 20-year-old Masters’ debutant Jordan Speith, he would go on to win the second Masters’ title of his career as he started the season in style.
Bubba Watson won his second green jersey after the win at Augusta SOURCENEWSPAPERS.COM
#2 Gareth BaleFOOTBALL | NEWLY RANKED A Welshman would reign supreme in the Spanish Cup Final – Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale turned on some incredible speed to score the winning goal of the Copa Del Rey Final as Real Madrid edged out rivals Barcelona. In the absence of Ronaldo, Bale stepped up to silence critics as he finds his flow for Madrid. Watch Gareth Bale’s goal here »
A blitzing run from the Welshman is celebrated euphorically by Bale and teammate Xabi Alonso
#1 Lewis Hamilton FORMULA 1 | PREVIOUSLY #2 Mercedes’ continue to skyrocket marked with the Brit Lewis Hamilton’s third successive Grand Prix win. Hamilton saw off his teammate Nico Rosberg by over 18 seconds in China to mark Mercedes’ mesmerizing ascension this season.
After an early retirement in the first grand prix, Hamilton has went on to win three straight HUFFINGTON POST UK
Lewis Hamilton soars to the top of the power rankings and deservedly so with another big win in China. Expect more NBA stars to get in on the act in next week’s rankings as the NBA Playoffs get into full swing – and the Champions League games will also make a valid shout. It seemed particularly hard to pick the Top 10 this week, with plenty of action around the clock. Do you think anyone else should be added to the Top #10? Do you agree with the rankings this week? GET INVOLVED with your opinions. Do you agree with this week’s power rankings? Why not send us your own Top 10 – use the comments section at the bottom of the article, send us an email, Tweet us your views or post thoughts to our Facbook page.
WRITE FOR US as we are now recruiting more writers. If you are interested in showcasing your sports writing / journalism skills, and have a passion in writing in our wide range of sports, learn more at this page.
Football has quickly become a ‘big money’ sport of where players are earning huge amounts to play for their respective clubs. Here is the list of the top five most payed in the World.
#5 Lionel Messi
Club: FC Barcelona Yearly Income: £8.75 million
#4 Thiago Silva Club: Paris Saint-Germain Yearly Income: £10 million
#3 Radamel Falcao
Club: AS Monaco Yearly Income: £11.66 million #2 Cristiano Ronaldo Club: Real Madrid Yearly Income: £11.87 million
#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic
So that means that Ibrahimovic is 1st, the PSG man looks to pay off more of that price tag by defeating Chelsea in the Champions League on their road to European success. So now you know where the big money is, Ligue 1 (PSG with two on the list) and La Liga. Anyone overpaid?
Who else should be on the list and should prices be different? Get your opinions into us.
In wake of Andre Mariner’s mistaken sending off to Kieran Gibbs in Chelsea’s win over Arsenal, we have dived into a list of players where the same mistake could be easily made.
Wrong player: Andre Mariner sends off Gibbs instead of Oxlade-Chamberlain. Was it an error easy to make? GUARDIAN
As Chelsea destroyed Arsenal 6 – 0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Andre Mariner mistakenly sent off Kieran Gibbs instead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for a hand-ball on the goal line. While the referee did apologize the following game, we have dived into a list of players where the same mistake could occur. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Kenny McEvoy (Tottenham Academy)
Gareth Bale (left) and Kenny McEvoy (right). MSN
Maybe the mystery of Gareth Bale’s departure lies not in the substantial sum involved in his signing for the Spanish giants Real Madrid, but having someone who looks convincingly like him lurking in the academy. Gareth Bale could have really left in fear of Kenny McEvoy stealing his identity, its plausible isn’t it? Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Gary Neville (ex Manchester United)
Franck Ribery (left) and Gary Neville (right). VIRGIN MEDIA
Gary Neville will be watching closely as Bayern Munich tussle with Manchester United in the Champions League Quarter-Finals. Now at first, maybe you will be thinking that he’ll be watching on edge as his team, Manchester United, bid for European success. Or he could be watching even closer than usual to watch his footballer lookalike, Franck Ribery in action. The two met (pictured above) in the Champions League in 2010, where a terrific volley from Arjen Robben dispatched Man United from the tournament. More interestingly perhaps, the two battled for possession throughout the game making a scene similar to the Cramp Twins with one brother fighting another. Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Fabio Borini (Sunderland)
Fabio Borini (left) and Leanardo Bonucci (right).
Both Italian, both bald (or at least one used to be)… we may have reunited long-lost-brothers. You heard it here first! Liverpool loaned Fabio Borini is currently at Sunderland enjoying the best form of his career while Juventus’ defender Bonucci is having a decent season too. We could very well make them better when we introduce them to one another. Serge Gnabry (Arsenal), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal) and Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal)
Serge Gnabry (left), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (middle) and Kieran Gibbs (right).
This one was with the help of Andre Mariner himself, along with the addition of Serge Gnabry. Put Oxlade-Chamberlain and Kieran Gibbs in close proximity and they may be mistaken for one another, adding Gnabry to that will make it all the more a mixed affair. Which is the hardest lookalike to differentiate? Get involved and give us your opinions.
WrestleMania 30 goes live in less than 3 weeks, but before then, here is my dream card for the Grandest Stage Of Them All.
Big E Langston vs. Big Daddy V for the Intercontinental Championship Dean Ambrose vs. Mankind in a Hardcore Match for the U.S Title Daniel Bryan vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit in a 60 minute Triple Threat Iron Man Match CM Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin Andre The Giant vs. The Big Show Shawn Michaels vs. Dolph Ziggler The Undertaker vs.Bray Wyatt in a Buried Alive Match John Cena vs. Hulk Hogan. “Who is the real icon?” Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
Which would you love to see most? Add it to the comments section below.
TheSportMatrix.com 