Top Clutch Performances of the Week
The NBA Finals are over. LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are champions of the world, thanks to clutch performances from the King and Kyrie Irving.
Using the NBA Finals as a jumping-off point, it's once again time to delve into our weekly dose of clutch. Focusing on soccer, baseball and pro hoops, we were able to spot 10 clutch performances over the last seven days.
Here are those performances compiled into one slideshow.
LeBron James Brings Cleveland a Well-Deserved Championship
1 of 10
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James
When: Game 7 of the NBA Finals
LeBron James' legacy has been solidified. By bringing the city Cleveland a championship—its first since the Browns won their last NFL title 52 years ago—the King has reclaimed his status as the NBA's top player.
The stats alone from the 2015-16 NBA Finals prove it. James' took the Larry O'Brien Trophy behind 29.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game. His Finals' performance was special, but nothing new, as Rohan Nadkarni of Sports Illustrated explained.
King James' was his usual clutch self in Game 7. He tore the Golden State Warriors apart behind 27 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and three outstanding blocks, according to the ESPN box score.
The result was a 93-89 win for the Cavs and an NBA title to bode. It was an unforgettable season for James and his hometown team.
Erik Kratz Provides Just Enough Offense for a Win
2 of 10
Who: Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Erik Kratz
When: June 20 vs. San Francisco Giants
In what can best be described as a pitcher's duel between Jeff Locke and Madison Bumgarner, Erik Kratz, a 36-year-old catcher, led the Pittsburgh Pirates to a win over the National League West-leading San Francisco Giants. Kratz was the only member of either team to break through offensively.
In the fifth inning, he launched a home run over the left field wall, putting the Pirates' ahead for good, 1-0. It was also the push needed to break Pittsburgh's five-game losing streak, per Stephen J. Nesbitt of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Lionel Messi Pushes Argentina Forward
3 of 10
Who: Argentina forward Lionel Messi
When: June 18, Copa America quarterfinal vs. Venezuela
Lionel Messi has proved time and time again that he's one of the best players in the world today. And with the Argentine national team making a serious Copa America push, its recent success has been a direct result of Messi himself.
Facing off against Venezuela in the quarterfinals, Messi netted one goal and two assists. His presence was needed, and it resulted in a 4-1 victory.
The last question left to ponder is whether Messi can continue to provide clutch performances for Argentina. Can this team conquer the rest of the field and prevail at the conclusion of the 2016 Copa America?
Time will reveal those answers.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Justin Upton's Walk-Off Home Run
4 of 10
Who: Detroit Tigers outfielder Justin Upton
When: June 20 vs. Seattle Mariners
Walk-off wins never, ever get old. Justin Upton pushed the latest walk-off into the atmosphere against the Seattle Mariners during a 7-7 game.
The solo home run in the bottom of the 12th inning could not have come at a better time. The Detroit Tigers were on a three-game skid and needed a boost.
Upton's performance was powerful on all fronts. He not only hit a game-winning home run, but he had also blasted a two-run shot earlier in the game, according to the official MLB box score.
It was a clutch night all around for Upton.
Clayton Kershaw Keeps the Washington Nationals at Bay
5 of 10
Who: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw
When: June 20 vs. Washington Nationals
The Los Angeles Dodgers battled the first-place Washington Nationals behind the sparkling arm of Clayton Kershaw.
Kershaw was his usual dominant self. In seven innings, he fanned eight batters and allowed one run. Kershaw's clutch performance was enough to push the Dodgers past the Nationals, 4-1.
Apparently, Kershaw can do no wrong. He's now 11-1 and in the hunt for another Cy Young Award to place on his mantle.
Kyrie Irving Channels His Inner Kobe Bryant
6 of 10
Who: Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving
When: Game 7 of the NBA Finals
As incredible as it was to see LeBron James put the Cleveland Cavaliers on his back in the NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving also carried his fair share of the load.
Irving's most clutch performance came as Game 7 was winding down. In the midst of a tie game, with 53 seconds left on the clock, Irving pulled up and drained a game-clinching three-pointer.
Even with Stephen Curry all up in his face, Irving channeled his inner Kobe Bryant and put the Cavs ahead for good.
But don't take our word for it. Take Irving's. In the Game 7 presser, per Sports Illustrated, Irving relied on a "Mamba mentality" to win the game.
Irving's shot was the definition of clutch.
Dustin Johnson Wins the 2016 U.S. Open
7 of 10
Who: Dustin Johnson
When: June 19, 2016 U.S. Open
Oakmont Country Club was the backdrop for Dustin Johnson's U.S. Open victory. The talented golfer leveled the rest of the field, shooting four under in the tournament.
By winning the 2016 U.S. Open, Johnson turned an average weekend on the links into a clutch performance.
This win came at the right time. Despite suffering a one-stroke penalty, per Mike McAllister of PGATour.com, Johnson still managed to earn his first major victory.
Jose Abreu Defeats the Boston Red Sox
8 of 10
Who: Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu
When: June 20 vs. Boston Red Sox
It wasn't as spectacular as a walk-off home run, but Chicago White Sox standout Jose Abreu defeated the Boston Red Sox on June 20.
Fighting for a win during a pitcher's duel, Abreu's 10th-inning double sent two runs home for the White Sox. The clutch hit came with two outs in the inning, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN.com).
It was the type of primo hitting the Sox needed. Before the 3-1 takedown of the Red Sox, the boys from Chicago were battling a three-game skid.
Clint Dempsey Keeps Team USA Alive
9 of 10
Who: USA forward Clint Dempsey
When: June 16, Copa America quarterfinal vs. Ecuador
The United States moving on to the semifinals of the Copa America is a huge deal. David Waldstein of the New York Times talked about the significance of the win, writing, "The victory propelled the United States into the semifinal stage of the Copa America for the first time since 1995."
The 2-1 win over Ecuador was fueled by Clint Dempsey's heroics. In the tight contest, Dempsey scored the opening goal and provided the assist for Gyasi Zardes' go-ahead winner.
No matter what happens next, Dempsey has proven once again to be a clutch performer for this team.
Draymond Green Keeps the Golden State Warriors in Game 7
10 of 10
Who: Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green
When: Game 7 of the NBA Finals
How can you be clutch in a losing effort? Ask Draymond Green.
Green helped the Golden State Warriors keep it close despite a losing effort in Game 7. In just under 47 minutes of action, Green put up 32 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists, according to the official NBA box score.
The Warriors might have fallen short of winning back-to-back titles, but Green was all the hype that night.
All stats and information via Sports-Reference.com unless noted otherwise.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
