Last Week's Best: The Top Five Games (5/19-5/26)

I am experimenting with a new feature, in which every week I will highlight the top five games of the past week from throughout the world of sports. I will determine these games based on the level of excitement as well as the game’s overall importance.

I hope to make the feature a regular weekly one which will appear on the site late Sunday night (this week’s is a day late because I have been out of time). I would appreciate any feedback, either through a post on this article or by contacting me personally (either on my Bleacher Report page or through e-mail). Without further ado…

It was a wild week in the world of sports, and a perfect week for the inaugural edition of this feature. It was the end of many seasons—some ended in validation, others in total agony.

Some stars reminded us why we watch them day in and day out, while others will have to wait until next year to own the spotlight all to themselves. Above it all, one man proved he yet again will continue to break down barriers.

Here they are, the five biggest games of last week.

5. MLB: Pirates 5, Cubs 4 (5/24). Pirates 6, Cubs 5 (5/25).

Having lost four of their past five games and trailing the first-place Cubs 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning, things weren’t looking good for the Pirates. Another loss, dropping to five games under .500, and the path to a sixteenth straight losing season were staring them in the face.

18 hours and two walk-off wins later, the scenery looks a lot brighter in Pittsburgh. In both games, the Pirates scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to extend the game against the vaunted Cubs’ bullpen. In both games, slugger Jason Bay—who has had trouble producing in the clutch all year—hit a walk-off single to give the Pirates the victory.

Not only are the Cubs leading the NL Central, but the Pirates had lost nine of ten games to them this season prior to Saturday’s comeback win. For the moment, Pittsburgh fans continue to have reason to believe that this year will finally be different.

4. NBA, Western Conference Semifinals Game 7: Spurs 91, Hornets 82 (5/19).

Probably the most anticipated game of the NBA second round looked like it was going to be a dud. The veteran Spurs had finally conquered their road woes and were playing the methodical, error-free basketball that had led to their emerging dynasty. San Antonio led by 15 points going into the fourth quarter.

But, even when Chris Paul could get nothing going (he never really looked for his shot the entire night—a big mistake on his part), there was always a feeling that the youthful Hornets weren’t going to go down without a fight. At some point, they had to make a run.

And that run finally did come in the fourth quarter. It was led by the unlikeliest of sources—reserve shooting guard Jannero Pargo. Pargo singlehandedly shot the Hornets back into the game, often disregarding the flow of the offense to take on the Spurs’ defenders alone.

Pargo almost brought the Hornets all the way back. They came agonizingly close—Pargo actually had an open look at a transition three-pointer that would have tied the game—but it was not to be. Pargo would finish the game with 18 points. He needed 21. For now, experience prevailed.

3. NBA, Western Conference Finals Game 1: Lakers 89, Spurs 85 (5/21).

But for how much longer would experience prevail? In the first half of this game and much of the third quarter, the answer looked to be “another year.” The Spurs were yet again dominant on the road, leading 65-45 at one point in the third quarter.

Then Kobe Bryant decided he didn’t like how the game was turning. Mamba absolutely took over. He scored at will—and when the Spurs threw extra defenders at him out of desperation, Triple Ocho was more than happy to lob the ball up to Pau Gasol for an easy tap-in.

25 second-half points later, including a tie-breaking jumper with less than thirty seconds to play, the Lakers had won Game One. Kobe was remarkable. He was absolutely unstoppable. Most of his shots hardly even caused the net to move, let alone grazed the rim.

Game oOe often sets the tone for a playoff series. If that’s the case, then the Spurs might as well pack their bags—because Kobe isn’t letting his best shot at a title without Shaq get away.

2. MLB: Red Sox 7, Royals 0 (5/19).

Most people know the story by now. Less than two years ago, Red Sox’ pitcher Jon Lester was diagnosed with cancer. He fought it, beat it, and has continued to do remarkable things ever since.

Last November, Lester started Game Four of the World Series, in which the Sox clinched the title. It was a remarkable team achievement for a remarkable survivor.

But now the story has a new chapter, as last Monday Lester no-hit the Kansas City Royals. The scene at Fenway was magical and electric—and you could tell from watching the Boston bench how much the players cared for Lester and all he has been through.

There isn’t much I can add to the story that hasn’t been said already, but I will say this: Much has been made of how amazing it is that someone could survive cancer and pitch a no-hitter. That’s absolutely right—to a degree. And that degree is that 99 percent of what is remarkable about Jon Lester’s story is that he survived cancer and is doing what he loves again.

That he pitched a no-hitter is remarkable as well—and more than anything it’s great that now everyone gets to hear Lester’s story one more time. It is an inspiring story of perseverance and of hope. But that was true long before Lester recorded his first out last Monday night.

1. UEFA Champions League Final: Manchester United 2, Chelsea 1 (5/21).

It’s hard to top Lester’s no-hitter. Really, really hard. But there is perhaps no bigger worldwide sporting event than the UEFA Champions League Final.

To say the least, this game lived up to the billing. It had its heroes and its goats—and they were the biggest names European football has to offer: Ronaldo. Terry.

First there was the Portuguese sensation. The hated Christiano Ronaldo, who struck the first blow for the Red Devils, then stared defeat straight in the face after missing his spot kick. I hate Ronaldo—I think he plays a weak game and is a huge prima donna—but even I had to feel for the guy after he missed that kick.

Then the English captain. All the stars were aligned for the culmination of all of John Terry’s service to club and country—the winning spot kick in the Champions League final. Chelsea’s first Champions League crown.

But then destiny took a funny turn. A wet field. One slip. The outside of the post. A dream dashed. Utter agony.

For Ronaldo, there will surely be more glory in the future. Terry can only hope he will have another chance.