- The name Jerry Sandusky became as famous as and synonymous with Penn State Football … for all of the WRONG reasons.
- The National Hockey League saw the Los Angeles Kings rise back to prominence earlier this year, as they captured Stanley Cup with a 4-2 series win over the New Jersey Devils. That was the last that anyone saw the NHL, as their lockout has been in effect for three-and-a-half months. With a January 11th deadline, there is immense pressure to get a deal done should there be any hope for a season.
- And certainly not the least was the NBA. LeBron James’ 2011-12 season was one to remember. The close of the 2011-12 NBA season saw James capture his third league MVP award en route to his first NBA Championship and a Finals MVP for the Miami Heat, who defeated the Oklahoma Thunder in five games.
2012 had to have been a big year for Leonard too. He was drafted 11th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft and has been a contributor off the bench for the Blazers, averaging just under five points and four rebounds in nearly 17 minutes of action per game.
Portland now sits in the ninth spot, a half game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers, just behind the Minnesota Timberwolves in playoff positioning. There is still plenty of basketball left to be played, but at least they can say that they’re in the hunt.
In the meantime, to everyone planning to go out looking for a good time on New Year’s Eve, a word of caution from Utah Jazz point guard Mo Williams:
Have a safe and happy New Year. See you in 2013.
Tweet of the Night: Eric Gordon
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Michael Brumagin is the “Tweet of the Day” columnist for Sheridan Hoops and a sports correspondent for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter.