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Black America Web
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Black America Web
Can The Indiana Pacers Join These Incredible Underdogs?
The Indiana Pacers are fully leaning into their role as underdogs as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals. Facing a team led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and boasting one of the best records in NBA history, the Thunder are widely viewed as the heavy favorites. Underdog stories like this are what make sports so compelling. History is packed with legendary moments of teams and athletes overcoming enormous odds to achieve glory. RELATED: The 1978 Washington Bullets Among Most Unlikely NBA Champions RELATED: The 25 Most Notorious Sports Villains Of All Time Source: Takeo Tanuma / Getty Take the 1980 U.S. men's hockey team, whose 'Miracle on Ice' saw a group of amateurs defeat the mighty Soviet Union. Or Leicester City's fairy-tale Premier League win in 2016, defying 5,000-to-1 odds. These victories, like Buster Douglas knocking out Mike Tyson in 1990 or Villanova's shocking 1985 NCAA Championship victory, serve as powerful reminders that anything is possible. The Pacers now step into this storied tradition, eyeing their chance to seal their place in history. Will they join the ranks of the greatest underdog victors of all time? Their belief and resilience suggest they just might. Only time will reveal the ending to their Cinderella story. Can The Indiana Pacers Join These Incredible Underdogs? was originally published on 1. The Miracle on Ice (1980) The U.S. men's hockey team stunned the world at the 1980 Winter Olympics by defeating the heavily favored Soviet Union. Composed of amateur and collegiate players, the U.S. team faced a powerhouse Soviet squad that had dominated international hockey for years. Despite overwhelming odds, Team USA secured a 4-3 victory in a dramatic game often referred to as the 'Miracle on Ice.' Their win propelled them to the gold medal and remains one of the greatest achievements in sports, symbolizing hope and resilience during a tense period in Cold War history. 2. Leicester City Wins Premier League (2015-16) Leicester City entered the 2015-16 English Premier League season with 5,000-to-1 odds of winning the title, yet they pulled off a fairytale triumph. Managed by Claudio Ranieri, the Foxes relied on unheralded players like Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, who delivered exceptional performances. Their disciplined teamwork and consistency shocked traditional powerhouses like Manchester United and Chelsea. By clinching the league with two matches to spare, Leicester's inspiring victory reminded sports fans that anything is possible, earning its place as one of the most improbable championships in history. 3. Buster Douglas Defeats Mike Tyson (1990) Buster Douglas pulled off one of boxing's most unbelievable upsets by knocking out the formidable Mike Tyson in Tokyo. Tyson, undefeated and considered invincible, was expected to steamroll through Douglas, a 42-1 underdog. However, Douglas dominated with determination and tactical brilliance. Despite being knocked down in the eighth round, he rallied back and delivered a crushing 10th-round knockout. The shocking result sent waves through the sports world and proved that no athlete, no matter how dominant, is unstoppable. 4. New York Giants Beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLII (2008) The New York Giants shocked the football world by beating the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. The Patriots entered as undefeated favorites, aiming to cap a perfect season. The underdog Giants stayed resilient, with their defense stifling the high-powered Patriots offense. The game's iconic moment featured quarterback Eli Manning escaping defenders to complete a miraculous pass to David Tyree, famously known as the 'Helmet Catch.' This pivotal play led to the game-winning touchdown, delivering the Giants one of the most memorable upsets in NFL history. 5. Rulon Gardner Beats Aleksandr Karelin (2000 Olympics) Rulon Gardner achieved a legendary Olympic upset by defeating Aleksandr Karelin in the Greco-Roman wrestling finals. Karelin was considered unbeatable, with three Olympic gold medals and a 13-year unbeaten streak. Gardner, a relative underdog from the U.S., managed to outlast the Russian powerhouse in a grueling match. Despite facing a legend, Gardner's incredible strength and endurance delivered him the victory, leaving the world in awe. This historic win showcased the triumph of perseverance against insurmountable odds. 6. Villanova Defeats Georgetown (1985 NCAA Championship) The 1985 NCAA basketball championship saw Villanova, an 8th-seed underdog, topple powerhouse Georgetown in a stunning 66-64 upset. Georgetown, led by star center Patrick Ewing, was expected to dominate. Villanova, however, played nearly perfect basketball, shooting an astounding 78.6% from the field. Their disciplined gameplay and clutch free throws secured the narrow victory. This David vs. Goliath moment remains one of college basketball's greatest upsets, showcasing the power of flawless execution under pressure. 7. NC State Beats Houston (1983 NCAA Championship) NC State's 'Cardiac Pack' delivered a fairy-tale ending to the 1983 NCAA basketball tournament by defeating the top-seeded Houston Cougars. Led by legendary coach Jim Valvano, NC State faced a Houston team boasting future NBA stars Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. With seconds remaining, Lorenzo Charles completed a game-winning dunk off a missed shot, earning NC State a stunning 54-52 victory. The dramatic finish and Valvano's celebratory antics cemented this upset as one of the ultimate underdog stories. 8. Appalachian State Beats Michigan (2007) Appalachian State, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team, pulled off a jaw-dropping upset by defeating No. 5-ranked Michigan at the Big House. With Michigan expected to cruise to an easy win, Appalachian State showcased extraordinary grit and skill. They stunned the Wolverines with a blocked field goal in the final seconds to secure a 34-32 victory. This groundbreaking win shook college football and brought attention to smaller programs' ability to compete with top-tier teams. 9. New York Jets Win Super Bowl III (1969) Joe Namath guaranteed an upset victory, and the New York Jets delivered by defeating the heavily favored Baltimore Colts 16-7 in Super Bowl III. The AFL champions were considered vastly inferior to their NFL counterparts, but Namath orchestrated an efficient offense that neutralized the Colts' staunch defense. The Jets' win not only gave the AFL its first Super Bowl title but also legitimized the league, paving the way for the NFL-AFL merger. 10. Holly Holm Knocks Out Ronda Rousey (2015) Holly Holm shocked the MMA world by knocking out Ronda Rousey in one of the sport's biggest upsets. Rousey, undefeated and dominant, entered the fight as a heavy favorite. However, Holm, a former boxing champion, delivered a masterclass in striking and defense. The decisive moment came in the second round when Holm landed a brutal head kick that ended the bout. This victory not only proved Holm's skill but also shattered Rousey's aura of invincibility.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'Next stop: Olympic gold!' Brady Tkachuk wants to win it all with brother Matthew in 2026
Matthew Tkachuk celebrates Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup win in an iconic way (Image Source: NHL via X) While Matthew Tkachuk was soaking in champagne and trolling the Oilers with 'Pink Pony Club,' his big brother Brady was having a different kind of moment. Watching from afar as Matthew lifted the Stanley Cup for the second time, Brady couldn't help but feel proud and a little inspired. Brady Tkachuk congratulates Matthew, says next goal is winning Olympic gold together As Matthew celebrated his back-to-back Stanley Cup wins with Florida, Brady didn't hesitate to show love. The message was short, but it hit hard especially for fans who've watched both Tkachuks grow into NHL stars. It wasn't about rivalry or competition anymore. This was about family, legacy, and representing Team USA on the sport's biggest international stage. Team USA fans are already dreaming about the Tkachuk brothers dominating in 2026 With the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina around the corner, Brady's post got hockey fans buzzing. Both brothers are expected to make the roster, and if they do, it'll be one of the most exciting duos Team USA has ever iced. The U.S. men's team hasn't won Olympic gold since the 'Miracle on Ice' in 1980. There have been close calls, but never the full storybook ending. The Tkachuk brothers: gritty, skilled, relentless might be the spark that changes that. Imagine Brady and Matthew crashing the net, chirping opponents, scoring big goals… in red, white, and blue . by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz Superior Ginseng Undo It's no surprise that both Tkachuks have reached this level. Sons of NHL legend Keith Tkachuk, they've had hockey in their blood from day one. From backyard scrimmages to the NHL's biggest stages, they've always pushed each other and now, they might be pushing for gold together. They've worn the same sweater before, representing the U.S. in junior tournaments and the recent 4 Nations Face-Off. But nothing compares to the Olympics. This isn't just about playing together. It's about chasing a lifelong dream as brothers. Also read - 'He's a loser': Evander Kane skips Stanley Cup handshake line after Oilers loss, fans call it a 'stupid move' Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
NBC Sports
16-06-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Auston Matthews leads USA Olympic men's hockey team's first six players for 2026
Auston Matthews, brothers Brady and Matthew Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, Jack Eichel and Charlie McAvoy are the first six players named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team. The core six, all age 28 and younger, will hope to lead the U.S. to its first Olympic men's hockey title since the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Lake Placid Games. It will be the Olympic debut for all six. The Milan Cortina Games mark the first Olympics with NHL participation since 2014. The rest of the 25-man Olympic roster will be named closer to the Games, which open Feb. 6. Nick Zaccardi, Below is a glimpse into each of the first six players. Quinn Hughes, Defenseman, Vancouver Canucks Taught to skate by his mom, Ellen Weinberg-Hughes, who was on the first U.S. soccer roster to play in a FIFA women's national team tournament. She also played for the U.S. national hockey team before women's hockey was added to the Olympics in 1998. Going back to soccer, she was an ESPN sideline reporter for the 1999 Women's World Cup. Quinn, 25, is the 2024 Norris Trophy winner as the NHL's top defenseman and the oldest of three brothers who could all make the Olympic team. Jack, 24, is a New Jersey Devils forward who was on the 4 Nations Face-Off roster that is expected to closely resemble the Olympic team. Luke, 21, is a Devils defenseman who made the All-Rookie team in 2023-24. They shared the EA Sports NHL 25 video game cover. Once in history have three brothers played for one Olympic hockey team — Anton, Marian and Peter Stastny for Czechoslovakia in 1980. Once in history have three brothers competed on the same U.S. Winter Olympic team in any sport: bobsledders Curtis, Hubert and Paul Stevens in 1932, according to Olympic historian Bill Mallon. Charlie McAvoy, Defenseman, Boston Bruins Born and raised on Long Island, New York, and started skating at age 3 in an arena where his dad, of McAvoy Plumbing & Heating, had installed a studio rink. Young Charlie got his hands dirty, too, digging trenches for sewer mains and washing dishes and taking out the garbage at Brand's Delicatessen, according to the Athletic. McAvoy is a already a world champion on the U18 and U20 levels. Now 27, he hasn't played since contracting a staph infection in his right shoulder during the 4 Nations Face-Off. U.S. Olympic head coach Mike Sullivan is McAvoy's father-in-law. Jack Eichel, Forward, Vegas Golden Knights Eichel was an 18-year-old Boston Terrier when Miracle on Ice captain Mike Eruzione called him 'the face of USA Hockey,' according to Sports Illustrated. Since, he became the second freshman to be named NCAA Player of the Year, was a No. 2 overall NHL Draft pick (behind Connor McDavid) and played in every major international tournament — world juniors, senior worlds, the World Cup, 4 Nations — except the Olympics. Eichel did play in the first Youth Olympics in 2012 as the youngest player on the team. A male Youth Olympic hockey player has yet to play at the Olympics. Auston Matthews, Forward, Toronto Maple Leafs The most prolific American goal scorer in NHL history on a per-game basis. The Arizona native was actually named to the 2022 Olympic team — as one of the first three players along with Patrick Kane and Seth Jones — in October 2021. But the NHL withdrew two months later, needing the Olympic break back to help make up for the 50 canceled regular season games up to that point due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthews, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2016, scored four goals in his regular season debut (three in the first 22 minutes). He has made every All-Star Game since. In 2023-24, he scored 69 goals, the most by any player since 1995-96, when Mario Lemieux also scored 69. Brady Tkachuk, Forward, Ottawa Senators Matthew Tkachuk, Forward, Florida Panthers The first set of brothers to make a U.S. Olympic hockey team since Derian and Kevin Hatcher in 1998 (the Hughes brothers could join them later). The Tkachuk family will also be the first to have two generations on U.S. Olympic hockey teams in the NHL participation era. Dad Keith Tkachuk played at the 1992 Albertville Games, and then the first three Olympics with NHL players in 1998, 2002 and 2006. He still holds the U.S. record for Olympic games played (23). Brady and Matthew became USA Hockey's Bash Brothers at 4 Nations, where they shared a line with Eichel. Through a pregame group text, the brothers orchestrated separate fights with Canadians at the start of their round-robin game. The resulting notoriety led to appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon (Matthew) and the Kelce brothers' podcast (Brady and Matthew).
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
One of Minnesota's best ever, T.J. Oshie bids emotional farewell to the NHL
One of Minnesota's best ever, T.J. Oshie bids emotional farewell to the NHL originally appeared on Bring Me The News. Everyone knew it was going to happen after a back injury prevented him from playing this season, but that didn't make T.J. Oshie's retirement ceremony on Monday any less impactful. Oshie, the 38-year-old who started making a hockey name for himself in Warroad, choked back tears during an emotional speech held at Washington Harbour on the Georgetown waterfront in Washington, D.C. Oshie was a warrior until the very end, and nearly from the very start. He grew up in Mount Vernon, Washington and got his start in the Seattle Junior Hockey Association before his parents divorced and he moved to Minnesota with his dad in 2002. He became an instant star in three years at Warroad High School, leading the Warriors to Class A state championships in 2003 and 2005 (they also made it to the tourney in 2004). He had 43 goals and 42 assists as a junior and led the state in scoring with 38 goals and 62 assists as a senior. "To the city of Warroad, or Hockeytown USA as we call it, thank you for welcoming me into your tight-knight community. You sparked my love for the game of hockey and I can't think of a better place for me to grow up," Oshie said. "Winning two state championships together felt like it couldn't get any better. Thank you for taking me in." He wasn't born in the State of Hockey, but he's certainly one of the best to ever make it to the NHL after playing high school hockey in Minnesota. In 1,010 career games, Oshie scored 302 goals and had 393 assists (695 points). He was named an All-Star in 2020 and he hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018. From a statistical view, the greatest scorers to have traveled the Minnesota-to-the-NHL pipeline are Phil Housley, Blake Wheeler, Neal Broten, Zach Parise, Dave Christian and Matt Cullen, but those are the only names that scored more points than Oshie. Phil Housley: 1,232 points (338 goals, 894 assists) Blake Wheeler: 943 points (321 goals, 622 assists) Neal Broten: 923 points (289 goals, 634 assists) Zach Parise: 923 points (434 goals, 455 assists) Dave Christian: 773 points (340 goals, 433 assists) Matt Cullen: 731 points (266 goals, 465 assists) T.J. Oshie: 695 points (302 goals, 393 assists) Reed Larson: 685 points (222 goals, 463 assists) Jamie Langenbrunner: 663 points (243 goals, 420 assists) Kyle Okposo: 614 points (242 goals, 372 assists) Defining Oshie's greatness in comparison to other Minnesota high school legends who turned in great NHL careers is a futile task. For example, you won't find Mike Ramsey or Erik Johnson's names among the scoring leaders before they were elite defensemen. How can one weigh Ramsey's 1980 "Miracle on Ice" involvement and more than 1,000 career games in the NHL? The scorers get the glory, but Ramsey is no doubt one of the best to ever come out of Minnesota. Parise has more goals and points but Oshie won a Cup and helped make Alexander Ovechkin the NHL's all-time leader in goals. Oshie also delivered iconic shootout goals in the gold medal game against Russia at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. There's too much subjectivity to make a true top 10. But no matter how you slice it, Oshie is one of the greatest to ever wear an NHL sweater after starring in Minnesota high school rinks. "The moment my skates touched the ice, I gave you everything I had," Oshie siad. This story was originally reported by Bring Me The News on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
NBC Sports
25-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
U.S. men's hockey team wins first standalone world championship since 1933
The U.S. men's hockey team won its first standalone world championship since 1933, beating Switzerland 1-0 in overtime in Sunday's final in Stockholm. Tage Thompson scored the golden goal to give the U.S. its first major tournament title since the 1996 World Cup. Its last Olympic title came in 1980 with the Miracle on Ice. Goalie Jeremy Swayman got the shutout. Tage Thompson makes USA GOLDEN! 👏🏆#MensWorlds #IIHF @usahockey For a time, the Olympics also counted as world championships, so the U.S.' Olympic medals in 1952 (silver), 1956 (silver) and 1960 (gold) are also world championship medals. The U.S. was eliminated from worlds in the quarterfinals last year. The Americans were fourth at worlds in 2022 and 2023 and made the semifinals 13 times since the IIHF reinstituted a bracketed playoff round in 1992. They lost 12 semifinals in a row before beating Sweden in Stockholm on Saturday. The U.S. team at these worlds featured two players from last February's 4 Nations Face-Off: Swayman and defenseman Zach Werenski, who led all players at 4 Nations with six points. Many top NHL players miss worlds because the tournament takes place during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Others choose to rest after the NHL season. The U.S. head coach at worlds is the San Jose Sharks' Ryan Warsofsky. The U.S. has already qualified for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, where NHL players are expected to participate for the first time since the 2014 Sochi Games. The U.S. head coach for the Olympics is the New York Rangers' Mike Sullivan. Nick Zaccardi,
