10 Reasons for Boston Sports Fans to Be Thankful
Boston sports fans across New England and the United States have much to be thankful for in 2016. Here are 10 reasons for you to all be thankful this holiday season.
1. Tom Brady’s MVP-like Numbers
Tom Brady has returned from his four game suspension, and has been God-like. In 6 games, Brady has 16 touchdowns to just one interception. He’s more accurate on his deep ball this season. He is building chemistry with his younger receivers like Malcolm Mitchell. The best Brady attribute of 2016 though may be his quickness and elusiveness. TB12 is moving around better than he ever has, and he has the Patriots primed for a deep playoff run.
2. A Rick Porcello Cy Young Award
Pretty Ricky did it. He didn’t receive the most first place votes. There was a Verlander-Upton controversy. But it doesn’t matter, the Red Sox Rick Porcello is the 2016 AL Cy Young Award winner! Viewed as second fiddle to David Price in Boston, Porcello stole the spotlight. He was consistent all year long and helped to place the Sox atop the AL East.
3. Isaiah Thomas is Becoming a True NBA Star
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Analysts and fans outside of Boston are finally beginning to recognize Isaiah Thomas as a potential star in the NBA. This season, Thomas is averaging 26.2 points per game, 6.1 assists and nearly 3 rebounds. Those numbers are up there with NBA superstars Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, and John Wall. Forget the fact that he’s just 5’9″ and he truly is a star!
4. The Play of Tuukka Rask
The Boston Bruins as a whole have been a letdown so far this season. Tuukka Rask however, has returned to his elite status. In 2016, Rask is 11-3-0, tied for the most wins in the league. His .942 save percentage is right behind Carey Price, Jimmy Howard and Devan Dubnyk. Tuukka’s goals against average is just 1.57. The rest of the Bruins team needs to get on track to help this tendie out!
5. Mookie Betts’ 2016 Was Not a Fluke
We all feel like Mookie was robbed of the AL MVP award, but fear not because he’ll likely be in the conversation for years to come. Betts was among the best offensive players in the league, and was named the best defensively. At just 23, Mookie is still continuing to get better. In 2017 Mookie Betts could even elevate his MVP0like numbers.
6. A Smart Bill Belichick
We all questioned the trade of Jamie Collins to the Browns; the benching of Jabaal Sheard. However, we always believe in Bill Belichick. He always does what is best for the New England Patriots as a whole. Collins likely wanted too much money and his production was slipping. Bill saw potential in Flowers and played him over Sheard. There is always a method to the madness. Sit back, relax, and let Bill lead the team to another Super Bowl.
7. A Celtics Team that Can Compete in the East
The Celtics are not off to the best start record-wise, but they certainly can compete in the Eastern Conference. Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder have both elevated their games. Al Horford has been added to the mix. Avery Bradley is becoming a true two-way player. Marcus Smart is a huge spark off the bench. After overcoming early injuries, the Celtics will now show the league and fans what they truly are, and will compete to finish in the top 3 in the east.
8. Brad Marchand’s Level of Play
Bruins’ forward Brad Marchand has taken his game to another level this year. He seems to be in on every positive Boston play. Marchand has been setting up his line mates on goals al season long, while tallying a few of his own as well. As the season goes on and chemistry continues to grow, Brad Marchand will only perform better and better.
9. Al Horford Chose Boston, and Others Soon Will Too
Super star center Al Horford chose to sign in Boston this offseason, meaning others may soon follow suit. The signing of Kevin Durant was unsuccessful, but 2017 could see another big star come to the garden. KD may be a free agent again. Or maybe it could be Blake Griffin, Gordon Hayward. The future is bright for the Celtics in the NBA once again.
10. An 8-2 Patriots Team
Lastly, our top team is atop the AFC. At 8-2 through week 11, the Patriots are tied with the Raiders and Chiefs, and just a game behind the Dallas Cowboys for tops in the league. Brady is on fire. Malcolm Butler is showing he’s a number one corner. Bill Belichick, Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia are ready for the playoffs and another ring.