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🏈 Prayers for Damar Hamlin

🏈 Prayers for Damar Hamlin

January 03, 2023

Good morning BTP family! Donovan Mitchell went NUCLEAR last night dropping 71 points in an OT win over the Chicago Bulls. This is the highest scoring performance in the NBA since Kobe Bryant dropped 81 points back in 2006! Furthermore, this performance ended up being a Cleveland Cavs franchise record for points as well as just the 12th 70-point game in NBA history! We break down his full performance down below.

Continuing on, we had one of the scariest moments in sports history last night as Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is in critical condition after suffering cardiac arrest on the field. Hamlin was quickly rushed over to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further testing and treatment, where he is now sedated. Join us and the entire sports world as we all pray for Damar Hamlin.

Prayers for Damar Hamlin.

DAMAR HAMLIN

Damar Hamlin in Critical Condition Following MNF Injury

Last night the world bore witness to one of the scariest moments in NFL history when Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field. The incident occurred early in the first quarter after Hamlin issued what looked like a routine tackle to Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. But after quickly getting back on his feet, Hamlin immediately collapsed and promptly received medical treatment.

Hamlin was administered CPR, successfully restoring his heartbeat, before being rushed to the UC Medical Center. As of last night, according to his friend and marketing rep, Jordan Rooney, Hamlin’s vitals are back to normal, but he’s been given a breathing tube, and they’re continuing to run tests. This update was echoed by the Bills’ official Twitter account, which said Hamlin was currently sedated and listed in critical condition.

In addition to being a breakout star on the Bills’ defense, the 24-year-old Hamlin is a very charitable young man who is particularly passionate about his hometown and helping children. As a show of support, in the wake of this horrific accident, fans from around the world have poured in resources to support Hamlin’s foundation, Chasing M’s.

This foundation was created in 2020 to fund an annual holiday toy drive. Chasing M's has a GoFundMe, with a funding goal of $2,500, and as of this morning, donations have exceeded $3.5M. Earlier this season Hamlin said: “life is bigger than football” and he was right. Damar, the entire world is rooting for you.

HISTORIC PERFORMANCE

Donovan Mitchell Sets Cavs Record with 71 Points!

Move over, Devin Booker; there’s a new record holder in town. Last night Donovan Mitchell set the world and the Chicago Bulls’ defense on fire with an iconic 71-point performance, forever etching his name in the NBA history books.

The Cavs needed every single point to rally from a 21-point deficit, as the Cavs quite literally didn't get their first lead until overtime. Mitchell’s 71 points don’t even tell the full story, as Spida's brilliance extended well beyond his massive scoring output. Mitchell did everything in this game, from dimeing up his teammates 11 times, grabbing eight boards, or miraculously converting the intentionally missed free throw to a two-point bucket sequence to force overtime. That basket also gave him his 58th point and officially surpassed LeBron’s Cleveland record.

But once Spida got to overtime, he turned a legendary performance into an all-timer. Mitchell tacked on another 13 points to complete the comeback and finish with 71, the eighth-most points ever scored in a single NBA game and the most in 16 years since Kobe had his iconic 81-point performance in 2006.

The Utah Jazz may have gotten a massive haul for Mitchell, including Lauri Markkanen, who’s also having a breakout season, but with an upside like this, it’s hard not to think they didn’t pay enough. True superstar power is the hardest thing to find in the NBA, and with Mitchell, the Cavs certainly have it.

PLAYOFF HOPES

The Packers Playoff Hopes are Suddenly Very Alive

The Green Bay Packers opened the season with a miserable 3-6 record, but thanks to a four-game winning streak and some favorable breaks, they’re just one win away from returning to the playoffs. The only thing standing in their way are the plucky Detroit Lions, who have also been playing inspired football as of late, but unfortunately for the Lions, they are on the wrong side of a 28-3 record facing Green Bay at Lambeau Field.

Aaron Rodgers has had a challenging follow-up season to his MVP campaign due to several factors. Losing Davante Adams was a huge blow, especially as their promising rookies Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs took a little time to adjust to the NFL. Then there were the physical ailments he endured, including a broken thumb and bruised ribs, but none of that seems to matter now.

Rodgers didn’t have to be particularly brilliant in Sunday’s matchup with the Vikings as the running game and defense was next level, but it serves as an important reminder that the ceiling of this team far and away exceeds their record or standing. The Packers might limp into the playoffs with an unimpressive 9-8 record, but underestimating them could be a very costly mistake. Assuming they can beat Jared Goff and the Lions, the Packers will enter the playoffs healthy, experienced, and with a former MVP under center. With that combo, the Packers have as good a chance as any team.

THE RUMOR MILL

The Player Every NBA Team Needs to Trade In 2023

RUMOR: Pacers 'engaged in trade talks' for injured Knicks forward Obi Toppin

THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY

January 3, 2007: Miami Dolphins NFL head coach Nick Saban resigns after agreeing to return to college football to take the head coaching job at Alabama