Top Clutch Performances of the Week
Your weekly dose of clutch is back. And with the Stanley Cup Final finished and the NBA Finals heading toward a dramatic conclusion, basketball and hockey won't be here much longer—so enjoy them while you can.
Thankfully, sports are a revolving door. With the UEFA European Championship, Copa America and baseball season all rocking at the moment, there were plenty of clutch performances to go around.
Here's a look at the best over the past seven days.
Kyrie Irving Blasts Golden State
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving
When: Game 5 of the NBA Finals
Kyrie Irving silenced critics with a blistering performance in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Irving took to the Golden State Warriors' home floor and went about his business.
The Cavaliers guard was able fire away offensively from the get-go, finishing with 41 points and six assists. It was a riveting performance that kept the Cavaliers alive in this series, as they won the game 112-97.
When Irving is performing at this level, it's hard to contain his explosiveness. Cavs fans can only hope this trend continues.
Tyler Holt Walks to a Win
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Who: Cincinnati Reds outfielder Tyler Holt
When: June 13 vs. Atlanta Braves
As exciting as knocking in a game-winning RBI or hitting the long ball in a tied contest can be, sometimes just getting the job done is all that matters.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Tyler Holt found this out the hard way when he stepped up with the bases loaded during an 8-8 game against the Atlanta Braves on June 13.
Rather than gapping the baseball and winning the game on his own merits, the 27-year-old was patient at the dish, and Braves closer Arodys Vizcaino walked him.
The clutch walk-off—literally—resulted in a 9-8 win for the visiting Reds.
Gerard Pique Seals It for Spain
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Who: Spain defender Gerard Pique
When: June 13, Euro 2016 vs. Czech Republic
Spain's quest to repeat as champions of Europe got off to a bold start when longtime defender Gerard Pique netted a header in the 87th minute of play against the Czech Republic.
Even if Spain doesn't repeat as champs, Pique's clutch header was a sign they always will have an ability to pressure opponents when needed, thanks to veteran performers.
No matter what happens down the road, this was a wonderful way for the Spanish club to kick off its Euro 2016.
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Adam Eaton Completes the Chicago White Sox Comeback
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Who: Chicago White Sox right fielder Adam Eaton
When: June 13 vs. Detroit Tigers
How did a routine divisional clash in June turn into one of the best games of this young 2016 MLB season? Simply put, it featured one heck of a comeback.
The Chicago White Sox found themselves down seven runs to the Detroit Tigers before their bats finally got clicking. Led by Adam Eaton—who registered four hits on the night—the Sox battled back, eventually winning in extra innings.
Thanks to Eaton slashing a game-winning single in the bottom of the 12th, the Sox were able to rally back for their 32nd win of the season. Not a bad night at the plate for the 27-year-old outfielder, who went 4-for-5 with two RBI.
LeBron James Proves His Worth
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Who: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James
When: Game 5 of the NBA Finals
LeBron James made sure Kyrie Irving's dazzling Game 5 performance wouldn't be forgotten amid a losing effort. James played lights-out basketball, going for 41 points of his own and procuring 16 rebounds.
His skill set continues to amaze. Delving deeper into the box score, per NBA.com, it was clear James wasn't simply driving the lane. He also sank four three-pointers and dished out seven assists.
It's the type of cohesive performance we've come to know and love—a performance that has Cavs fans breathing a sigh of relief their King returned to his Cleveland throne in 2014.
Sidney Crosby Hoists Lord Stanley's Cup
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Who: Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby
When: Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final
You can now call Sidney Crosby a two-time Stanley Cup champion thanks to his clutch performance in Game 6 against the San Jose Sharks.
Pittsburgh's vivacious dismantling of the Sharks was further enhanced by Crosby's two-assist night. But No. 87 also contributed in ways that didn't show up in the box score.
Tom Awad of Hockey Prospectus (via ESPN.com) detailed why Crosby deserved to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. Tucked away in that riveting piece was this line: "His success in the faceoff circle was also a key for the Penguins against the Sharks: He was 76-62 in faceoffs against San Jose, a 55.1 percent success rate."
It's only right a clutch performer like Crosby ended the Stanley Cup Final with two assists and a piece of hardware to go along with those totals.
Emanuele Giaccherini Stuns Belgium
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Who: Italy midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini
When: June 13, Euro 2016 vs. Belgium
The European Championship has been full of surprises. Italian midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini scoring a goal against Belgium in the 32nd minute was one of the biggest so far.
Leading up to the contest, Belgium was favored to emerge from their group, per Odds Shark (via Bleacher Report). Giaccherini turned those predictions to dust in the first half of play by finishing a beautiful assist courtesy of Leonardo Bonucci.
Italy would go on to win 2-0, setting themselves up beautifully to emerge from Group E.
Whit Merrifield Puts the Kansas City Royals Ahead for Good
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Who: Kansas City Royals second baseman Whit Merrifield
When: June 13 vs. Cleveland Indians
Whit Merrifield had a big night for the Kansas City Royals on June 13. The 27-year-old rookie finished the game with two hits against the Cleveland Indians. One was a triple, and the other was his first career home run in the fourth inning.
By the grace of the baseball overlords, that home run turned out to be the eventual game-winner.
Offensively and defensively, Merrifield was the best player on the field against the Indians. Aside from his clutch hitting, he was also part of two double plays, per ESPN.com's official box score.
It was a great night for the rookie infielder.
All stats and information via Sports-Reference.com unless noted otherwise.
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