Top Clutch Performances of the Week
The 2016 Olympic Games are in full swing, giving our list of top clutch performances a nice boost with some international flavor.
With the Premier League back in action and Major League Baseball also trucking on, this list is chock-full of clutch performances by some of the best athletes in the world.
Stick around and explore the top clutch performances of the week.
David Ortiz Continues His Impressive Final Season
1 of 10
Who: Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz
When: August 15 vs. Cleveland Indians
David Ortiz doesn't need to retire. The 40-year-old slugger is on pace for another solid year, notching 27 home runs, 93 RBI and hitting for an average of .312.
But Ortiz is leaving the sport, and his farewell season continued when the Red Sox took on the Cleveland Indians on August 15.
Home run No. 27 came against the Tribe, as Ortiz lifted a go-ahead, two-run shot in the sixth inning. Relying on his power, Big Papi turned on Indians pitcher Josh Tomlin. The blast secured a 3-2 win for the Red Sox, giving them their 65th win of the 2016 season.
Ortiz is still a clutch asset for the Red Sox, regardless of his age. That's just one reason why the people of Boston love this man.
Usain Bolt Runs into the History Books
2 of 10
Who: Usain Bolt
When: August 14, 2016 Olympics
Usain Bolt is ridiculous. The world's fastest man was at it again, toying with his fellow runners before blowing by them and winning gold in the men's 100-meter dash.
This was a memorable achievement for the greatest sprinter in Olympic history. Bolt's gold-medal win marked the third consecutive time he's achieved such a feat in the 100-meter competition, making him the only man to ever do so.
No one is faster than Bolt. And in a world full of superhuman athletes, watching him shred a field with ease nothing short of scary.
Juan Martin del Potro Stuns Rafael Nadal
3 of 10
Who: Juan Martin del Potro
When: August 13, 2016 Olympics vs. Rafael Nadal
Juan Martin del Potro's remarkable Olympic Games continued against Rafael Nadal in the men's tennis semifinals.
After conquering Novak Djokovic in the opening round, Del Potro was able to find his revolutionary forehand and a strong serve once again against Nadal. It wasn't easy—playing Nadal never is. But Del Potro managed to work his way to a 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (5) win after dropping the first set.
He would automatically medal with the win, despite losing to eventual champion Andy Murray in the final round. Needless to say, Del Potro's clutch gene was in overdrive during the Rio Games.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Philippe Coutinho Dazzles in Liverpool's Premier League Opener
4 of 10
Who: Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho
When: August 14 vs. Arsenal
Liverpool won their fourth straight Premier League opener over Arsenal in dramatic fashion, with a 4-3 effort on August 14.
Midfielder Philippe Coutinho was a leading force, tying the game with a phenomenal free-kick in the 45th minute of play. He would follow that effort up, netting another beautiful tap-in effort during the 56th minute.
Coutinho's masterful touch and clutch positioning was enough to send Liverpool past Arsenal. The good news doesn't stop there. Based on what we saw, it already appears the Liverpool midfielder is poised for a tremendous year.
Chad Green Brings Youth to the New York Yankees
5 of 10
Who: New York Yankees pitcher Chad Green
When: August 15 vs. Toronto Blue Jays
It's a new day in the Bronx. Most of the stars the Yankees brought with them into the 2010s are either gone or on their way out. The spending game isn't what it used to be, and smaller market teams are contending more and more. So the Yankees are finally attempting to rebuild.
Pitcher Chad Green could be part of that rebuild. He took to the hill on August 15 and silenced the Toronto Blue Jays. Barreling through the Jays lineup, Green struck out 11 batters in six innings. The Yanks would ride his arm to a 1-0 victory.
The rookie pitcher looked sharp at every turn, giving the Yankees something they desperately needed: a glimpse into the future.
Andy Murray Wins His 2nd Consecutive Gold Medal
6 of 10
Who: Andy Murray
When: August 14, 2016 Olympics vs. Juan Martin del Potro
Not even fate could stop Andy Murray from taking down Juan Martin del Potro in the gold-medal match of the 2016 Rio Games.
Murray was his usual brilliant self, keeping the ball in play, driving shots home with blistering power and playing the net like a true pro. His style overwhelmed Del Potro—who was running on tired legs.
At the end of a tough match, Murray prevailed with a four-set victory. This clutch performance marks his second consecutive gold medal at the Olympic Games and another big tournament win after capturing the Wimbledon crown earlier this summer.
Diego Costa Answers the Bell
7 of 10
Who: Chelsea striker Diego Costa
When: August 15 vs. West Ham
Diego Costa wasn't going to allow West Ham to tie Chelsea in his club's first Premier League venture. The talented striker found the back of the net in the 89th minute of game action from 20 yards out.
The Blues are looking to prove they can rebound from a disastrous 2015-16 campaign in which they finished 10th. That's not the team we're accustomed to seeing, and Costa made sure a trend of disappointment wouldn't steal headlines early on.
The crowd at Stamford Bridge went ballistic as Costa celebrated his late-game heroics. His clutch gene was definitely pumping on overdrive against the Hammers.
Simone Biles Makes Her Country Proud
8 of 10
Who: Simon Biles
When: August 16, 2016 Olympics
Simon Biles had herself quite an Olympic Games. Racking up four gold medals and one bronze, Biles firmly established herself as the face of American gymnastics.
"Biles arguably established herself as the greatest gymnast of all time by winning her fifth medal," Bleacher Report's Mike Chiari noted.
She was poised and showcased grace, and in the end, she constantly performed at a level rarely seen in sports.
You can't do anything but heap an immeasurable amount of praise onto Biles. She was spectacular in Rio and turned many mainstream sports fans into diehard supporters of her cause.
Chase Utley Gets Offensive
9 of 10
Who: Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley
When: August 16 vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Chase Utley returned to Philadelphia with thoughts of destruction on his mind. Suiting up with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Utley went bonkers at the dish—as did the rest of the Dodgers, pounding the Phillies by a final score of 15-5.
For his part, Utley launched two home runs into the night sky, including a grand slam. His five-RBI performance was a reminder of how good he was during his heyday in Philly.
Supporters of the Phillies and Dodgers both got to witness a vintage, clutch Utley performance. And man, was it pretty.
The United States Goes on a Gold Rush
10 of 10
Who: United States Olympic Team
When: Throughout the 2016 Olympics
The United States should be proud of what they've achieved thus far at the 2016 Olympics. Looking at the medal count, the U.S. is so far ahead of every other country that it's not even close.
According to NBC Sports, the U.S. has 94 total medals, including 31 gold. The next closest to that count is China with 19 golds and 54 overall medals.
These games have been all about American dominance, from gymnastics to swimming and beyond. Clearly, few counties in the world are capable of cultivating as many elite athletes as the United States.
All stats, box scores and information via Sports-Reference.com, unless noted otherwise.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
