The 20 Craziest Finishes of 2011

As we look back on the past 12 months, it becomes clear that the intriguing world of sports never ceases to amaze us.

While controversies and blockbuster trades clogged the headlines, there were a plethora of stellar finishes that can't possibly be forgotten.

From last-second thrillers to magical comebacks, these games kept fans engaged and media members salivating.

Let's take a look at the craziest finishes of 2011.

Enjoy.

20. Unknown Cowboy Stuns Niners

After winning Michael Irvin's reality show 4th and Long, former North Carolina receiver Jesse Holley got an invite to Cowboys training camp. 

Following several roller-coaster seasons of invites, cuts and doubts, the 27-year-old inspiration made the catch of his career to beat the potent 49ers in overtime. 

His 77-yard scamper set up a Dan Bailey chip-shot and signaled the start of a topsy-turvy season for Jerry Jones' team. 

19. Roger Federer Is Dethroned by Novak Djokovic

Following early domination by Roger Federer, 24-year-old Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic gave fans a glimpse of a bright future.

The budding star battled back to take this match to the end and defeat his illustrious rival.

Djokovic eventually became the sixth male player in the open era to win three Majors in a calendar year, permanently cementing his name in the record books.

18. J.R. Hildebrand Flirts with the Indy 500

Within one turn of winning the Indy 500, the man known as Captain America seemingly choked in the waning moments. 

Almost a lock to win the race heading into the final lap, rookie J.R. Hildebrand couldn't hold on after crashing into the wall on Turn 4. 

He may have relinquished his lead to Dan Wheldon (R.I.P.), but Hildebrand certainly gave fans a taste of a bright future.

17. Auburn Completes a Memorable Season

Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton may have been the big name entering the illustrious National Championship Game, but running back Michael Dyer became the big performer.

His non-stop motor set up a 19-yard field goal by Wes Byrum with no time left that beautifully capped a 14-0 season and brought Auburn its first title since 1957.

16. Tim Tebow Swims Past the Miami Dolphins

He may not be conventional, but the dual-threat second-year Bronco never ceases to shock fans.

Facing the Miami Dolphins in his first start of the 2011 season, Tim Tebow gave the NFL world a taste of what was to come.

The former Gator's eventual six fourth quarter or overtime comebacks in 11 career starts became the most in NFL history for any quarterback in that span.

15. Tony Stewart Sprints Towards a Title

Not only did he end Jimmie Johnson's streak of consecutive championships at five, but Tony Stewart tied Carl Edwards in total points by winning the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

The tiebreaker was won by Stewart, considering he had five race wins to Edwards' one.

The 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship will forever be cemented in racing lore.

14. A Graceful Finish to a Bitter AFC North Battle

After dropping a sure touchdown on the previous play, rookie receiver Torrey Smith made amends with Baltimore fans.

With streaking tears came an inspirational moment for quarterback Joe Flacco and his young target, as well as a memorable victory over the steaming Pittsburgh Steelers.

13. Mavericks Shut Down the Streaking Thunder

After trailing for most of Game 4 in the Western Conference Finals against Oklahoma's thunderous squad, the Dallas Mavericks got more than a spark from their 7'0" phenomenon.

While the team's 17-2 run at the end of the game brought the epic battle to overtime, it was Dirk Nowitzki's 40 points that led the Mavs to victory.

His consistently-acrobatic, yet accurate shots seemingly ripped the heart out of a speechless Kevin Durant.

12. Lions Roar Back against the Cowboys

While some might believe Tony Romo's three costly interceptions following a promising start sparked a comeback for the feisty Lions, we believe that the dominant prowess of 6'5" Calvin Johnson couldn't resist taking over.

A 4-0 start to Detroit's season may have been jaw-dropping, but the fashion in which they reached their goal created plenty of league-wide buzz.

11. Knicks Are Discombobulated Against Celtics in Game 2

Following an unexpected layup from Knicks' defensive specialist Jared Jeffries, Kevin Garnett was clearly fed up.

After completing a ferocious dunk, the Celtics power forward intercepted a baffling attempted pass from Carmelo Anthony.

While his previous layup was productive, a second chance for Jeffries down low proved unacceptable.

10. Arizona's Patrick Peterson Rams Through St. Louis Defenders

Where most kick-return threats use speed and quickness to elude defenders, 2011 fifth-overall pick Patrick Peterson uses strength and vision.

While each of his four return touchdowns were quite memorable, his 99-yard tip-toeing run against the St. Louis Rams in overtime was the most significant.

9. UConn's Kemba Walker Conquers Pittsburgh

The only occurrence more breathtaking than his smooth shot was Kemba Walker's nasty step-back against Pittsburgh's 6'10" center Gary McGhee.

After the Bronx Native carried UConn to a 76-74 win against the No. 3 Panthers to advance his team to the semi-finals, a national championship for the Huskies seemed imminent.

8. A Giant Super Bowl Encore Has Expected Finish

While everyone expected this Super Bowl XLII rematch to be a brutal battle of wits, few could've predicted such a familiar finish.

Eli Manning's precision during the last drive caused the NFL world to finally take him seriously.

Shoulder shrugs and baffling fumbles aside, Peyton Manning's younger brother continues to cement his name in the history books.

7. USA Shocks Brazil

After playing down a woman from the 66th minute on, the United States women's national team fought the odds and beat the prolific Brazilians.

It was a game that brought a new throng of fans to the sport, as few could resist the emotion behind this epic battle.

A dominant penalty-kick performance capped a magical night.

6. Dirk Nowitzki Continues To Heat Up in NBA Finals

After being down 15 points with seven minutes left, Dirk Nowitzki led yet another historical comeback that kept the Miami Heat from being up 2-0 in the series.

The eventual Finals MVP scored 62 total points in the six fourth quarters, which was the combined total of both Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

His resilience engaged the entire sports world.

5. USA Faces Heartbreak against Japan

After a memorable shootout win against Brazil in the previous round (while being down one player), the United States women's national team seemingly hit a road block.

Unable to match Japan's feistiness following the start of their second-consecutive penalty shootout, the national team was naturally more than disappointed.

They may not have achieved victory, but they certainly inspired the world.

4. Michigan Stifles Notre Dame's Early Success

While his spelling of "gone" may need some work, this announcer sure has the enthusiastic nature to perfectly compliment this memorable moment.

As this rollercoaster game began to dwindle, it was clear a wild finish was imminent.

Redshirt junior receiver Roy Roundtree picked the perfect time to catch his first pass of the day, as he hauled in a 16-yard game-winning toss from All-American quarterback Denard Robinson with two seconds left.

3. A Giant Comeback Rattles the Cowboys

While the Eli Manning-led comeback was clearly memorable, especially considering he tied his brother and the legendary Johnny Unitas with 14 fourth quarter touchdown passes, the jaw-dropping finish was the most epic.

Jason Pierre-Paul's 15.5 sacks, 81 tackles and two forced fumbles pale in comparison to the last-second block of Dan Bailey's (second) attempted field goal.

Chants of M-V-P are already beginning to echo through the stands of Metlife Stadium.

2. David Freese Carries the Cardinals on His Back in Game 6

With two on and two outs in the ninth inning and on the cusp of elimination (Texas Rangers leading 3-2 in the series), third baseman David Freese walked to the plate with a confident air that reeked of a magical prowess.

Unknown outside of St. Louis, the clutch slugger changed the fortunes of the Cardinals when he slapped a two-run triple to right field to send the game to extra innings.

His walkoff home run in the 11th inning capped a remarkable night for the eventual World Series MVP.

1. Michigan State Expands the Playbook Against Wisconsin

Whether Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins ever plays a down in the NFL or not, he will always be remembered for this memorable chuck against Wisconsin.

Seemingly tearing a page out of Doug Flutie's book, Cousins tossed the pigskin towards the goal line as time expired, and eventually saw Keith Nichol haul it in and claw for the end zone for a 37-31 victory.

An expected ending to a hard-fought battle between the No. 16 Spartans and No. 6 Badgers.