Medal-Worthy Monday

Break the ice this President’s Day by talking sports. If basketball or the Olympics aren’t your thing, bringing up golfer John Daly hitting a hole-in-one while dressed like an American flag should do it.

Hail To The Chief,

The Last Night’s Game Team

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NBA (National Basketball Association)

When taking a risk pays off. Last night, the NBA All-Star Game came down to the wire, with Team LeBron (LeBron James) defeating Team Stephen (Stephen Curry) by three points. It seems the NBA has finally found a format that makes the all-star game competitive. ICYMI – the teams were selected like an old-school kickball game with the two captains picking their teams, regardless of conference.

When you try but fall flat on your face. Not everyone’s performance was as stellar as game MVP LeBron James. During the pregame, there was an odd rendition of the national anthem by Fergie that gave some players the giggles. Top that off with bizarre player introductions by actor/comedian Kevin Hart. Maybe it’s just not Hart’s year to be at sporting events between this and the Super Bowl incident.

Overtime

America’s newest star, figure skater Adam Rippon, has made a name for himself in these Olympics. He was offered a job as an NBC correspondent for the final days of the Games, now that his competition is over. He initially agreed but then changed his mind once he realized he would have to give up his athlete credentials and move out of the Olympic Village.

Sideline stat

Driving the #3 car just like Dale Earnhardt Sr. did in his first and only Daytona 500 win 20 years ago, driver Austin Dillon took home the first win of the NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) season at Daytona yesterday. There were accidents galore with only 25 of the 40 cars that started the race crossing the finish line. Sadly, one of those crashes involved Danica Patrick, who was driving in the final NASCAR race of her career. She’ll drive one last race in the Indianapolis 500, which is not a NASCAR race, on May 27.

Coaches’ corner

Last week we talked about the Swiss free ski team and their unconventional escalator ride. Clearly unconventional runs in the family becauce Swiss free skier Mischa Gasser’s dad decided to ride a bike more than 10,500 miles from Switzerland to South Korea to watch his son compete. His mom took the conventional route and hopped on a plane.

What to watch

Keep an eye on American Olympian Justin Olsen in tonight's two-man bobsled race. Two weeks ago, he underwent an emergency appendectomy in South Korea. He'll not only pilot the two-man sled tonight but the four-man one later this week as well. 

More Fun Than A Barrel Of Monkeys

While the Olympics may be dominating your newsfeed, this weekend in sports brings us a whole lot more than downhill and spandex.

It’ll still be fun, we promise,

The Last Night’s Game Team 

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NBA (National Basketball Association)

There’s a first time for everything. This Sunday is the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles and for the first time the teams are not divided up by conference, but chosen by two captains (Steph Curry and LeBron James). The best in the league were narrowed down by a vote and then drafted old school P.E. class-style by the captains. On the line? $300,000 and $150,000 for the teams’ selected charities.

If you believe you can fly. Saturday night features a variety of all-star weekend skills challenges, including the slam dunk competition as well as the three-point shooting contest and the skills competition, which shows off the player’s versatility. Be prepared to be impressed.

College Football

A little feel good for your Friday. During the college football season, the Iowa Hawkeyes started a tradition where their fans wave to the kids at the neighboring children's hospital, which looks into the stadium, at the end of the first quarter. The team has taken it a step further during the off-season, drawing a giant hand in the snow on the field to "wave" to the kids at the hospital. 

Overtime

No one is having more fun in PyeongChang than the Swiss freestyle ski team. If their team announcement video didn’t convince you that the Swiss really do have more fun, then watch the video of skier Fabian Bösch taking an unconventional ride on escalator. More proof that Olympians are not human.

Sideline stat

NASCAR (National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing) kicks off its season on Sunday with the Daytona 500. Some familiar faces will take the track including former NFL (National Football League) quarterback Peyton Manning, who will drive the pace car. The one to watch? Danica Patrick, who will drive in this race and one other this season before retiring. And yes, her boyfriend, Green Bay Packers quarterback (NFL) Aaron Rodgers will be there cheering her on.

Coaches’ corner

Ever wonder what the difference is between the slalom, giant slalom and downhill ski events? We did too. We break it down for you in less than one minute. WATCH

Doggone It

It may be cold outside but it’s hot in the world of sports. It’s the first Saturday since August with no football (cue basketball to fill in) and the last four football teams compete on Sunday for a spot in the Super Bowl.

You’re in the know,

The Last Night’s Game Team

PS – Shout out to our fans who requested a Tailgate Treat that is special diet friendly. Don’t care about your diet? You’ll drool over it too.

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NBA (National Basketball Association)

When you’re still paying for therapy after being picked last in gym class. The NBA All-Star Game (Feb. 18th) has undergone a face lift this year. The teams will now be chosen by the top vote getter in each conference and this year it’s LeBron James and Steph Curry. The list of starters has been determined by fans, players and media and James and Curry will choose from that list, regardless of conference, to create their team that will play in the all-star game. For more, catch this quick video.

NFL (National Football League)

When you can’t get “Who Let The Dogs Out” out of your head.  They may be the Philadelphia Eagles, but Sunday during their game you will see dog masks everywhere. The Eagles have embraced their underdog label in the playoffs, hence the dog masks. They face the Minnesota Vikings which, with a win, will be the first team ever to play a Super Bowl in their home stadium.

 

Overtime

Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid asked Rihanna out on a date in 2014. She told him to come back when he’s an all-star. The day has come, Embiid was selected as a starter for the NBA All-Star team. The fans have not forgotten this promise and have been flooding Rihanna’s social media with reminders.

Sideline stat

If you’re more of a dog person, this one’s for you. March Madness brings us bracketology, but have you heard of barketology? Purina and former quarterback and baseball player, Tim Tebow, teamed up to bring you “barketology” for the Westminster Dog Show (Feb. 12-13). You can pick the pups you think will win for a chance at a $1 million prize. Brackets gone doggy style.

Coaches’ corner

All that stands between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Super Bowl are Tom Brady and the mighty New England Patriots this weekend. Everyone has been giving the team advice on how to beat the five-time Super Bowl champs including a first-grade class that sent them a folder of game notes and motivational messages. CHECK IT OUT