Sports Stars Who Crushed It in 2014
Sometimes "epic" just won't suffice. San Francisco Giants starter Madison Bumgarner needed to be legendary to beat the Kansas City Royals in the World Series.
Luckily for Giants fans, he was up to the task.
Bumgarner's performance in Game 7 of the World Series was Curt Schilling's bloody sock, Michael Jordan's flu game and David Tyree's helmet catch all rolled into one. It was the most Hollywood ending you could think of short of Dolph Lundgren taking a shot to the chin from Sylvester Stallone.
Game 7 was sports magic in its purest form. But of course, 2014 was full of moments like that.
Today, we count down the 25 athletes who dominated 2014.
Placement on this list boils down to a number of key factors including awards, statistics, titles and, most importantly, clutch performances.
Was Bumgarner's mesmerizing October enough to garner the top spot on this list? It's time to find out.
No. 25:Jabari Parker, F, Duke Blue Devils/Milwaukee Bucks
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Creighton's Doug McDermott may have won the Naismith Award as college basketball's top player, but he wasn't the most feared. That honor went to Duke forward Jabari Parker, arguably the most NBA-ready prospect in a top-notch draft class.
Showcasing a body like Carmelo Anthony with skills similar to Tracy McGrady and Paul Pierce, Parker was an instant success. He dominated opponents to the tune of 19.1 points and 8.7 rebounds per game during the regular season. The fact that he lost ACC Player of the Year to NC State's T.J. Warren is almost laughable in retrospect.
Parker was drafted second overall by the Milwaukee Bucks and was playing like a Rookie of the Year candidate until he tore his ACL on Monday night against Phoenix. Hopefully the injury is only a minor setback in what should be a long, prosperous career for Parker.
No. 24: Corey Kluber, SP, Cleveland Indians
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Raise your hand if you had Corey Kluber as your preseason pick for the AL Cy Young award.
And why would you? Kluber had only 13 career wins prior to this season. With a devastating cutter and pinpoint control, no pitcher in the American League baffled hitters quite as thoroughly as Kluber in 2014 (we'll get to the National League guys later).
Kluber led the league in wins (18) and strikeouts (269) and was third in ERA (2.44). He also made a bit of history, becoming the first pitcher since Felix Hernandez in 2010 to earn the Cy Young Award without making the All-Star team. Ironically enough, Hernandez, who started this year's All-Star Game, finished second to Kluber in Cy Young voting.
No. 23: Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles Kings
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Somehow, Drew Doughty was passed over for the Norris Trophy (the honor went to Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith), but in the end he won something much bigger: the Stanley Cup.
The seven-year veteran registered 18 points during the Los Angeles Kings' surprising run to the Stanley Cup. Doughty's postseason point total was the highest among NHL defensemen.
As fate would have it, Doughty's assist to Marian Gaborik forced overtime in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Alec Martinez would score in double overtime to clinch the title over the New York Rangers.
The best player on the league's best team certainly deserves a spot on this list. That's why Doughty comes in at No. 23.
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No. 22: Anthony Davis, F, New Orleans Pelicans
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LeBron James and Kevin Durant have long been considered the two best players in the NBA. But how much longer will their reign last?
Not long. New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis is gaining ground quickly and might already be the most dangerous two-way player in the league.
The highlight reel is endless. Check out Davis' mind-numbing block on Chandler Parsons. And while you're at it, feast your eyes on this fierce throwdown against the Orlando Magic.
Still think LeBron and KD are the best in the league? Check back in a few months. It could be Davis.
No. 21: Tim Howard, G, United States/Everton
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Another World Cup, another defeat in the knockout round.
2014 was business as usual for the United States. Maybe they could have gone further, but at least there's comfort in knowing the U.S. has one of the best goalkeepers on the entire planet.
Tim Howard's performance against Belgium was just bonkers. Sixteen saves, two goals allowed—it was like Superman traded his cape in for a pair of goalie gloves.
And the memes, oh the memes! Has a country ever been so exhilarated after a loss? I doubt it.
Just give Howard some space. It's the least you can do.
No. 20: Jose Abreu, 1B, Chicago White Sox
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2014 was another groundbreaking year for MLB's growing Cuban population. After Yasiel Puig arrived in 2013 (with Yoenis Cespedes coming the year before), Jose Abreu joined the fold this past season.
What followed was a year for the ages.
Abreu's 2014 campaign has to be considered one of the great rookies seasons of all time. The scary thing is, he's just getting warmed up. Abreu turns 28 in January, which means he hasn't even entered his prime yet.
You want to pitch to this guy? I wouldn't.
With Rusney Castillo and Yasmany Tomas gearing up for their first full seasons in MLB, the next generation of Cuban stars is already on its way.
No. 19: Giancarlo Stanton, OF, Miami Marlins
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Giancarlo Stanton will take your fastball and crush it into the stratosphere.
For years, we've known Stanton was crazy talented. But in 2014, he finally put it all together. And let me tell you, it was absolutely terrifying.
Stanton showed very little mercy to opposing pitchers last season, and now that he has a $325 million contract to live up to, he could be even more dangerous.
If Jose Fernandez (Tommy John surgery) returns to his old form, the Miami Marlins could be a playoff team in 2015.
No. 18: James Rodriguez, M, Colombia/Real Madrid
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Playing in its first World Cup in 16 years, Colombia made it all the way to the quarterfinals.
James Rodriguez was the reason. He led all scorers in Brazil with six goals in five matches.
Rodriguez's sensational showing at the World Cup propelled him to international fame. But, more importantly, it earned him a contract with one of the best teams in the world, Real Madrid.
At age 23, Rodriguez still has room for improvement. So does Colombia. Rodriguez's home country is third in the most recent FIFA world rankings and should be one of the favorites heading into the next World Cup.
No. 17: Shabazz Napier, G, UConn Huskies/Miami Heat
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UConn has surprised us before, but not like this. The Huskies became the first No. 7 seed to win the NCAA tournament. For that we have Shabazz Napier to thank.
Napier did his best Kemba Walker impression, leading the Huskies to wins over Michigan State, Florida and Kentucky en route to UConn's fourth national championship. He saved his best for last, pouring in a game-high 22 points in the title game against Kentucky.
LeBron James used his influence to convince the Miami Heat to acquire Napier shortly after the Charlotte Hornets selected him in the NBA draft. James didn't stick around, but that shouldn't stop Napier from having a bright future in the NBA.
No. 16: Tim Duncan, F, San Antonio Spurs
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We don't all age gracefully, but Tim Duncan certainly does.
Still the game's most fundamentally sound big man, Duncan was lights out in the Finals (15.4 PPG, 10.0 RPG), leading San Antonio to its fifth title in six tries.
This championship was extra sweet because it came against the Miami Heat, who had beat the Spurs a year earlier in a dramatic seven-game series. The rematch was much more one-sided with San Antonio winning in five games.
Duncan's game isn't flashy, but boy is it effective. At age 38, he's one of only 11 players in the NBA averaging a double-double.
What happened to Father Time? I guess he got stuck in traffic.
No. 15: Lionel Messi, F, Argentina/Barcelona
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Lionel Messi stopped growing at 5'7", but his legend gets bigger every day.
He's now the all-time leading scorer in La Liga with 256 goals. He's also the all-time leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League with 75 tallies.
2014 was a special year for Messi because he got to play for his native Argentina in the World Cup. The Argentines made it all the way to the World Cup Final before falling to Germany in heartbreaking fashion. He finished the tournament with four goals in seven games.
Messi is having another spectacular season for Barcelona, as his 13 goals are second-most in La Liga.
No. 14: Henrik Lundqvist, G, New York Rangers
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You don't get a nickname like "King Henrik" for being average.
Henrik Lundqvist could do no wrong in last year's playoffs, leading the underdog New York Rangers all the way to the Stanley Cup Final.
In 25 games, Lundqvist recorded a .927 save percentage to go along with a minuscule 2.14 goals against average. He was especially stingy against Pittsburgh, limiting the Sidney Crosby-led Penguins to just 13 goals in seven games.
New York's run had to come to an end sometime. The Los Angeles Kings defeated the Rangers four games to one in the Stanley Cup Final. To Lundqvist's credit, three of those contests went into overtime.
The Rangers are off to a bit of a slow start this season (15-10-4), but we're confident Lundqvist and the Blueshirts will round into form come playoff time.
No. 13: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
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I guess that offseason training regimen with Hans and Franz paid off.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a menace this year, scattering 35 touchdown passes over 14 games.
With Rodgers under center, the Packers have generated 288 points at home this season. That's more than the Arizona Cardinals have in all their games this season.
The craziness doesn't stop there. Even after Sunday's lackluster effort against the Buffalo Bills, Rodgers' 111.2 quarterback rating is the eighth-highest in NFL history.
If Rodgers doesn't get the all-time record, he probably won't lose much sleep over it. He already has it (122.5 in 2011).
Rodgers won the MVP award that season. Don't be surprised if he wins again in 2014.
No. 12: Richard Sherman, CB, Seattle Seahawks
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If J.J. Watt is the most-feared man in the NFL, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman would have to be a close second.
How do we know? Aaron Rodgers, arguably the hottest quarterback in the league, didn't even look in Sherman's direction when the Packers played Seattle in Week 1.
Sherman, the leader of Seattle's Legion of Boom, was rewarded with a four-year, $56 million contract this past offseason. That's one of the richest deals ever for an NFL cornerback.
What will Sherman do for an encore after ruining Colin Kaepernick's Thanksgiving? We'll find out Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. In all likelihood, the winner of that game will earn home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
No. 11: Novak Djokovic
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Novak Djokovic entered 15 singles tournaments this year. He won seven of them.
Not a bad year at the office. Djokovic's victory over Roger Federer at Wimbledon was his seventh Grand Slam title. That's as many as John McEnroe and one more than his current coach, Boris Becker.
Djokovic is currently the No. 1 player in the world and should be for the foreseeable future. He's already the greatest Serbian player ever and could be the best from any country by the time his career is over.
No. 10: LeBron James, F, Miami Heat/Cleveland Cavaliers
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With Dwyane Wade battling injuries and Indiana having a great season, Miami's path to the Finals in 2014 was challenging to say the least. But remember, this is LeBron James we're talking about.
Proving once again that no obstacle can get in his way, James turned in a monster season, averaging 27.1 points per game on remarkable 56.7 percent shooting. He supplemented those totals by leading the team in rebounds and assists.
How much did LeBron mean to Miami? With just 12 wins in 26 games this season, it's obvious the Heat are lost without him.
James may be in a new uniform, but he's still the same player he was in South Beach. Only James Harden is averaging more points per game this season.
No. 9: J.J.Watt, DE, Houston Texans
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Anything you can do, J.J. Watt can do better.
Watt has already mastered the art of defensive end, so why wouldn't he branch out and play tight end? The former Wisconsin Badgers has already reeled in three touchdowns on three catches this season.
Beat that, Gronk.
Now that Ryan Mallett and Ryan Fitzpatrick are out for the year, will the Houston Texans finally give in and let Watt play quarterback? Crazier things have happened.
If anyone has a chance to become the first defensive MVP since Lawrence Taylor, it would be Watt. He absolutely killed it in 2014.
No. 8: Cristiano Ronaldo, F, Portugal/Real Madrid
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If you're reading this in America, you're probably still mad about this play that cost the U.S. a win at the 2014 World Cup.
But Cristiano Ronaldo isn't here to make friends. He's here to score goals.
Ronaldo's scoring prowess is unmatched. He already has 25 goals for Real Madrid this season; nobody else in La Liga has more than 13. So, statistically speaking, Ronaldo is twice as good as the next best player in the league.
That's hard to fathom, unless you've actually seen Ronaldo play. He's that good.
No. 7: Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels
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Miguel Cabrera couldn't keep up with him anymore. After three essentially flawless seasons, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout is finally the American League MVP.
In his first two seasons, Trout gave us a little bit of everything. This year it was more about power. He led the American League in RBI (111) and was third in home runs with 36.
Those are cleanup numbers, but the Angels still employ Trout as the No. 2 hitter in their stacked lineup. With depth like that, it's no wonder Los Angeles finished with the most regular-season wins in 2014.
Did we mention Trout is 23? No wonder Jon Lester left the American League.
No. 6: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon Ducks
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Some years, the Heisman Trophy race can be pretty suspenseful.
This was not one of those years.
It was nice of Amari Cooper and Melvin Gordon to show up, but Marcus Mariota had this in the bag. The Oregon quarterback threw for 38 touchdowns this year with just two interceptions.
That alone would have been enough to win the Heisman. Instead, Mariota rushed for 669 yards while adding 14 touchdowns on the ground. At 6'4" with speed for days, Mariota is the riddle college football just can't solve.
Good luck, Florida State. You're going to need it.
No. 5: Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins
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Mumps aside, it's been a pretty good year for Sidney Crosby. Not only did he lead the league in scoring, but Crosby also won his second Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player.
The key for Crosby was simple: staying healthy. He missed only two games during the 2013-14 season, his fewest since 2010.
Crosby has done almost everything since entering the league in 2005, but he had never led the league in assists until this year.
Cross another one off the bucket list. Can you believe Crosby is still only 27?
No. 4: Rory McIlroy
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Rory McIlroy's breakout season didn't disappoint. McIlroy won three tournaments this year, including the last two majors. He made all 17 cuts and led all players in prize money.
McIlroy is currently the No. 1 player in the world, and for good reason. In 17 tournaments in 2014, he finished over par only twice. McIlroy was an easy choice for PGA Player of the Year.
McIlroy ended his engagement with tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, but that was one of the only bumps in an otherwise smooth year for the 25-year-old.
No. 3: Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
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What Clayton Kershaw did this year just wasn't fair. To give you an idea of just how lethal the Los Angeles Dodgers ace was, check out his stats from June and July: 86 IP, 10-0, 0.94 ERA, 104 Ks, .165 AVG.
Kershaw needed only 27 starts to lead the league in wins and his ERA was the lowest by a starter since Pedro Martinez in 2000. If you made a video game, 99 wouldn't be a high enough rating for Kershaw. That's how preposterously dominant he was this year.
But alas, Kershaw struggled in his two postseason starts against the St. Louis Cardinals. If those had gone a little bit better, there's no doubt Kershaw would have been No. 1 on this list.
No. 2: Kevin Durant, F, Oklahoma City Thunder
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Kevin Durant was not messing around in 2014. He finally took the MVP away from LeBron James, becoming the first player in franchise history to win the award.
Oklahoma City's title hopes stalled in the Western Conference Finals, but that doesn't take anything away from Durant's special season. His 32.0 points per game were a career high, as were his 5.5 assists per game. Some of the highlights included a 54-point outing against Golden State and this seemingly impossible three-pointer against the Memphis Grizzlies.
But what we'll remember most about Durant's 2014 season is the incredible speech he delivered after winning the MVP award. In a world where athletes are sometimes portrayed as robots, it's refreshing to see that kind of heartfelt honesty.
OKC is 7-1 since Durant came back from a broken foot. That puts them in 10th place in the Western Conference, so there's still plenty of work to be done.
No. 1: Madison Bumgarner, SP, San Francisco Giants
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How could we have given the top spot to anyone else? Madison Bumgarner's playoff heroics were unprecedented: a 1.03 ERA, 52.2 innings pitched, 45 strikeouts, four wins and a title-clinching save.
And that's just what he accomplished on the field. This Sports Illustrated profile makes him sound like a mix between Bill Brasky and The Most Interesting Man in the World.
For all of Bumgarner's sidearm-throwing, cow-distributing awesomeness, I do have one critique. When the San Francisco Giants win the World Series again in two years (don't think that they won't), can somebody please get Bumgarner to stop wasting beer?
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