Well it’s New Year’s Eve, another journey around the sun is in the books, and it’s time look back at the year that was. I’ll touch on the site and where we’re headed at the end but I want to review the year that was in New York sports first. It was a wild one with a lot of fun memories made, even if it feels like it’s ending on a downer. Let’s look back!
Team of the Year
The Liberty: I’ll be the first to say I don’t watch a lot of basketball outside the Knicks, but how could the Liberty not be the team of the year in this town? They won the WNBA title over Minnesota in front of a great crowd at Barclays Center and had an awesome parade down “The Canyon of Heroes!” Sabrina Ionescu is a fabulous player, and it seems this team is built for long term success! Thank God somebody won something around here…it’s getting bleak. Cheers to the Champs!
Event of the Year
The Stadium Series: The NHL’s best marketing tool is putting their games in unique settings. In February of 2024, they used MetLife Stadium and found a way to make it look good (which takes skill). The Rangers and Islanders renewed their rivalry in the second of two games on the weekend and made for an instant classic! Both teams played their hearts out and the game went to OT where the Rangers completed their rally. The crowd was unbelievable and as someone who was there in person, it’s a memory that will last a lifetime.
Knicks Moment of the Year
BANG! BANG!: Could it have been anything else? The Knicks playoff run in 2023 was fun, but this one in 24 was special. They played two thrilling series against the Sixers and Pacers, both of which featured some incredible in game moments, but none was better than game two against Philly. The Knicks trailed by five, Brunson got a lucky bounce for a three to cut it to two, and then…well you know what happened from there. Here’s to hoping the run goes A LOT longer this spring!
Mets Moment of the Year
One Swing: For the New York Mets, 2024 will be best characterized by one phrase, “Oh My God.” The Mets came back from the depths of sub .500 baseball to make the playoffs in improbable fashion, but it seemed like the magic carpet ride might be ending in Milwaukee. Choosing a moment for the Mets wasn’t easy, but in the end Pete Alonso’s magic against new Yankee closer Devin Williams will define his legacy here in New York! 2024 got better for Mets fan with Juan Soto switching boroughs, and maybe 2025 can be their year. Now kick it Jose!
Islanders Moments of the Year
Big Goal Barzy: Let’s stick with the orange and blue theme. 2024 wasn’t the kindest year to Islander fans. The team has been erratic at best with defensive struggles and blown leads being a consistent feature. While the club is struggling heading into 2025, they did make the playoffs in the spring and while they were mostly overmatched by the Canes, Matt Barzal’s OT winner to stay alive was a good moment for the UBS faithful.
Rangers Moment of the Year
Hat Trick Hero: It’s hard to believe this was just seven months ago, given how depressingly bad the Rangers have become. But alas, 2024 wasn’t all about the Rangers folding like a cheap suit. In fact for much of the year they showed tremendous fight and compete level, on their way to the Presidents Trophy. Their run to the conference final was full of great moments that made the Garden roar, but none was better than Chris Kreider’s game six heroics in Carolina. The Blueshirts seemed poised to blow a 3-0 series lead until number 20 stepped up and led a furious rally to advance to round three. In a year that felt like THE year, it’s hard to believe that a moment like this was all for not…but that’s the Rangers for ya.
Yankees Moment of the Year
The Pennant Returns to the Bronx: 2024 was a good year for New York baseball, and an even better one for Yankee fans as the Bombers went back to the fall classic. Fans were treated to 162 games of Soto and Judge dominating offensively and a team that cruised through the AL playoffs. Unfortunately, they fell short of the ultimate goal, but this was a fun run that fans will remember for years to come. If only it wasn’t for the “fifth inning,” yes that “fifth inning,” one that will haunt the Yankees for a long time. They have gotten the offseason off to a good start addressing several holes, so maybe 2025 will be the revenge tour.
Figures of the Year
There were so many for both good and bad reasons I couldn’t pick just one. In order your nominees are!
- Jalen Brunson: The savior MSG deserved and needed
- Leon Rose: The skilled architect of the Knicks resurgence
- Aaron Judge: Another big year for the captain (in the regular season)
- Giancarlo Stanton: Playoff Stanton=Absolute Beast
- Francisco Lindor: The undoubted face of the Mets
- Juan Soto: From the Bronx to Queens, it was Soto’s year
- Steve Cohen: The man who makes it all happen
- Aaron Rodgers: The complete opposite of Jalen Brunson
- Woody Johnson: The worst owner in town
- Daniel Jones: The merciful end of an era
- John Mara: The other worst owner in town
- The Guy Who Paid for the Plane: A True Hero
- Lou Lamoriello: It might be time to hang it up Lou
- Igor Shesterkin: He isn’t the problem, and he got paid
- Chris Drury: Has anyone gone from genius to clown faster?
Media Moment of the Year
The Pope Erupts: If you haven’t heard, Mike Francesa still has his fastball, and he’s giving it away for free in podcast form. This eruption about the Jets disaster was pitch perfect. I highly encourage you to watch the full rant below.
The Future
So, before we talk about the future, I’ll answer one question. I’m sure you’ve asked yourself, “where are the Jets, Giants and Nets?” In short, the Jets and Giants have nothing to celebrate except this season ending and… the Nets exist?
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about the year we’ve had here at the Breakdown and where we’re going from here! 2024 was a very good one for us here as we’ve grown in a number of ways. Our social media presence expanded with Instagram being our main platform, where it is fun to interact with our entire audience. We added several new team members (welcome aboard gang) who all churned out some great content. We expanded in our partnership with the crew at Rangers Ed, an important union considering we need a Rangers support group in these difficult times. The site also branched out further into the podcast game, with weekly shows on the NFL and College Football which have been a ton of fun to produce. And, to top it off, our readership has increased over the year, something you are all responsible for, so we thank you immeasurably.
It’s fitting that this post is number 250, another milestone for us as we keep driving forward toward bigger and better things. I started this blog as a hobby to blow off steam and get back to what I love doing, not thinking I would have my friends at my side producing content and we would be looking to expand further. In 2025 you can expect more of the same on the written side, but a lot more on social media and the airwaves. We are planning some interactive Instagram content as well as expanded podcast episodes that will include a video component. There will be more new voices in our ranks as well, voices I’m sure you will like as much as I do! Overall, I am beyond excited to continue this journey with all of you following along.
This ride has covered a lot of time and ground, yet it feels like it has gone by in the blink of an eye. Who knows what 2025 holds for us all, but hopefully it is happy and healthy. Take the time this year to tune out from the negativity, be in the moment more, and enjoy your personal relationships. Thanks for reading and Happy New Year! See you all in 2025!
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