The second round of voting in Hour Detroit‘s Motown Showdown bracket to determine the quintessential moment in Detroit sports history ends today (March 25) at 11:59 p.m. There were a couple of upsets in the first round, but here are the moments battling it out in round two:
Pistons Division
1. The “Bad Boys” era vs. 7. Vinnie Johnson sinks the Game 5 game-winning shot with 00.7 seconds left, clinches the 1990 NBA Championship for the Pistons.
4. PA announcer John Mason coins “DEEE-TROIT BASKETBALL” vs. 6. Tayshaun Prince and THAT block on Reggie Miller.
Red Wings Division
1. The 4-Cup Era of Gordie Howe vs. 2. The 2001-02 Red Wings (aka: Remember when there wasn’t a salary cap in the NHL?)
3. “Believe”: Wings repeat Stanley Cup Champs inspired by Vladimir Konstantinov vs. 4. Red Wings sweep the Philadelphia Flyers in the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals, win first Cup since 1955.
Tigers Division
1. The Roar of ’84/”Bless You Boys” vs. 2. The ’68 World Series Championship Team.
3. Hank Greenberg returns from WWII, leads Tigers to World Series Championship in 1945 vs. 5. Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker: The greatest defensive double-play combo in MLB history.
Lions Division
1. The tradition of the Thanksgiving Game vs. 2. Lions win back-to-back championships in 1952-53 and another championship in 1957.
3. Barry Sanders shocks the world, retires via fax vs. 4. Jan. 14, 2024: Lions defeat a Matthew Stafford-led Rams 24-23, win their first playoff game in 32 years.
Hour Detroit Staff Predictions
With second round voting ending today (March 25) at 11:59 p.m., there is still time to cast your vote. Considering the moments that advanced to the second round, we asked members of Hour Detroit‘s staff to predict which moment they think could go all the way and win Motown Showdown. Below are some of their predictions.
Jason Hosko – Hour Detroit‘s Publisher
I think it will be one of the championships that make it through, and depending on your favorite team that will be the one you vote for. But of all the titles the one that I think most metro Detroiter’s remember and celebrate is the Roar of ’84 Tigers.
Will Reaume – Hour Detroit‘s Assistant Editor
I think the Lions’ first playoff win in 32 years is going to win. It’s part recency bias and just the fact that for many people, it’s the first Lions’ playoff win in their lifetimes. I think that combo equals a win, and it doesn’t hurt that that win was against Stafford.
Erica Banas – Hour Detroit‘s Digital Editor
This is a tough one, and we all know anything can happen in a bracket. However, I think the Red Wings’ 1998 Stanley Cup Championship repeat is going to come out on top. I’ll never forget the thrill of the Wings sweeping the Flyers in the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals and then the tragic limo crash that ended Vladimir Konstantinov’s career. The way the Wings fought to repeat was incredible. The image of Steve Yzerman placing the Cup in Vladdie’s lap is permanently etched in my mind.
Kate Walsh – Hour Detroit‘s Editor-In-Chief
I think the 1984 Tigers “Bless You Boys” season will win the whole thing, for several reasons: It wasn’t a single play or event, it was a whole season that was magical from start to finish; and it was a long-awaited event: the Tigers hadn’t won a World Series in 16 years (which doesn’t seem so long nowadays). The Lions’ playoff win over Stafford’s Rams will be a close second, but I think the fact that they didn’t go all the way will put them at a disadvantage.
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