The legend of Brittney Griner grows.
The No. 1 overall selection in the 2013 WNBA Draft drained a game-winning -- and series-winning -- basket in the closings seconds of the win-or-go-home Game 3 of her first career playoff series.
Despite delivering an uneven performance throughout Game 3 of the WNBA Western Conference Semifinals series, Griner came through when the Phoenix Mercury needed her most. With just seven seconds still on the clock and the Los Angeles Sparks leading 77-76, Griner took an inbounds pass from DeWanna Bonner. The former Baylor star spun toward the baseline and rose up over 2013 WNBA MVP Candace Parker. The 6' 8" rookie then arced a baseline jumper toward the rim ... and GOOD!
“I wasn’t nervous about it,” Griner told Joseph D’Hippolito of the Arizona Republic. “I didn’t think twice about it. Everybody goes over that situation while practicing in the gym.”
After Parker missed a three-point shot at the other end, the fourth-seeded Mercury were on their way to face the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Western Conference Finals. Game 1 is set for Thursday, Sept. 26.
Griner finished the decisive game in the best-of-three playoff series between the Mercury and Sparks with more personal fouls (4) than made field goals (3) but managed to score the only basket that will be remembered.
Also on HuffPost:
Best 2013 Sports Photos
DeSean Jackson(01 of133)
Philadelphia Eagles' DeSean Jackson celebrates in the snow after a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (credit:AP)
Chris Davis(02 of133)
Auburn cornerback Chris Davis (11) returns a missed field-goal attempt 109 yards to score the game-winning touchdown as time expired in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against No. 1 Alabama in Auburn, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013. Auburn won 34-28. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) (credit:AP)
Cristiano Ronaldo(03 of133)
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the 2-3 goal during the World Cup 2014 qualifying playoff second leg soccer match between Sweden and Portugal at Friends Arena in Stockholm, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013. (AP/TT/Pontus Lundahl) SWEDEN OUT (credit:AP)
Boston Red Sox Victory Parade(04 of133)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 02: The World Series trophy and the 'Boston Strong 617' jersey sit on the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Boylston Street during the World Series victory parade on November 2, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Florida State v Clemson(05 of133)
CLEMSON, SC - OCTOBER 19: Jameis Winston #5 of the Florida State Seminoles throws a pass as Vic Beasley #3 of the Clemson Tigers tries to stop him during their game at Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Los Angeles Clippers v Los Angeles Lakers(06 of133)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 29: Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to someone in the crowd during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on October 29, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Divisional Playoffs - Green Bay Packers v San Franciso 49ers(07 of133)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after running in a touchdown in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Candlestick Park on January 12, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
(08 of133)
Crowds greet Britain's Andy Murray as he celebrates with the trophy on the balcony of Centre Court after winning the Men's singles title on during day thirteen of the Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Wimbledon, London, Sunday July 7, 2013. (AP Photo/Dominic Lipinski, PA) UNITED KINGDOM OUT NO SALES NO ARCHIVE (credit:AP)
(09 of133)
CORRECTS ID OF UMPIRE TO JIM JOYCE, INSTEAD OF ADAM WAINWRIGHT - St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina looks back as home plate umpire Jim Joyce calls Boston Red Sox's Jonny Gomes safe on a three-run double by Shane Victorino during the third inning of Game 6 of baseball's World Series on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2013, in Boston. At rear from left are Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury, Xander Bogaerts and David Ortiz. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola) (credit:AP)
(10 of133)
Horses make their way around turn one during the 139th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (credit:AP)
Outback Bowl - South Carolina v Michigan(11 of133)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 01: Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney #7 of the South Carolina Gamecocks stretches for a fourth-quarter fumble during a 33 - 28 victory against the Michigan Wolverines in the Outback Bowl January 1, 2013 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Roy Hibbert, New York Knicks(12 of133)
Indiana Pacers' Roy Hibbert (55) blocks the shot of New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony, right, during the second half of Game 6 of an Eastern Conference semifinal NBA basketball playoff series on Saturday, May 18, 2013, in Indianapolis. The Pacers defeated the Knicks 106-99 to win the series 4-2. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (credit:AP)
Best Sports Photos Of 2013(13 of133)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 13: Boston police officer Steve Horgan reacts as Torii Hunter #48 of the Detroit Tigers tries to catch a grand slam hit by David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox in the eighth inning of Game Two of the American League Championship Series at Fenway Park on October 13, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(14 of133)
Paris Saint-Germain's Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (C) kicks the ball to score during the French L1 football match Paris Saint Germain (PSG) against Bastia (SCB) on October 19, 2013 at the Parc des Princes in Paris. AFP PHOTO / LIONEL BONAVENTURE (Photo credit should read LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis(15 of133)
Connecticut forward Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (23) goes after a rebound during first half of the national championship game against Louisville at the women's Final Four of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Tuesday, April 9, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (credit:AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(16 of133)
Jamaica's Usain Bolt (L) wins the100 metres final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on August 11, 2013 while a lightning strikes in the sky. AFP PHOTO / OLIVIER MORIN (credit:Getty)
Best Sports Photos Of 2013(17 of133)
Manchester United's Dutch striker Robin van Persie (C) scores the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Swansea City and Manchester United at Liberty Stadium in Swansea, south Wales, on August 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/IAN KINGTON == RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR LIVE SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 45 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. == (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Carlos Gomez, Ryan Braun(18 of133)
Milwaukee Brewers' Carlos Gomez ducks out of the way as teammate Ryan Braun (8) tries to dunk him with water after a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants Wednesday, April 17, 2013, in Milwaukee. The Brewers won 4-3. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (credit:AP)
Joe Andruzzi(19 of133)
In this Monday, April 15, 2013 photo, former New England Patriots player Joe Andruzzi carries a woman from the scene of two blasts at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Exeter Street in Boston. The bombs that ripped through the crowd at the Boston Marathon, killing three people and wounding more than 170, were fashioned out of pressure cookers and packed with metal shards, nails and ball bearings to inflict maximum carnage, a person briefed on the investigation said Tuesday. (AP Photo/The Boston Globe, Bill Greene) MANDATORY CREDIT, BOSTON HERALD OUT, QUINCY OUT, NO SALES, MAGS OUT (credit:AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(20 of133)
Michigan guard Trey Burke (3) walks off the court as Louisville celebrate their win during the second half of the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball championship game Monday, April 8, 2013, in Atlanta. Louisville won 82-76. (Charlie Neibergall / AP) (credit:Charlie Neibergall / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(21 of133)
Athletes start the New Zealand Ironman on March 2, 2013 in Taupo, New Zealand. (Phil Walter / Getty Images) (credit:Phil Walter / Getty Images)
Diana Nyad(22 of133)
AP10ThingsToSee - U.S. swimmer Diana Nyad, 64, greets her support team before her swim to Florida from Havana, Cuba, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013. Endurance athlete Nyad launched another bid Saturday to set an open-water record by swimming from Havana to the Florida Keys without a protective shark cage. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File) (credit:AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(23 of133)
Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova casts a shadow while serving to Switzerland's Romina Oprandi during their Portugal Open semifinal tennis match Friday, May 3 2013, in Oeiras, outside Lisbon. Pavlyuchenkova defeated Oprandi 0-6, 6-3, 6-1. (Armando Franca / AP) (credit:Armando Franca / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(24 of133)
Stanford players dump water over head coach Lele Forood's head as she gives an interview to Dave Kozlowski in the NCAA division 1 women's team tennis championship at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex Tuesday, May 21, 2013 on the University of Illinois campus in Urbana, Ill. Stanford defeated Texas A&M 4-3. (Stephen Haas / AP) (credit:Stephen Haas / AP)
(25 of133)
This screen image taken from NASA shows the Sochi Olympic torch being held during a spacewalk on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Video streamed by the US space agency NASA showed Oleg Kotov and Sergei Ryazanskiy carrying the unlit Olympic torch, bobbing weightlessly at the end of a tether in a darkness dotted by stars. The two gingerly maneuvered to take photos of the torch against the background of the planet, the orbs edge glowing with sunrise. (AP Photo/NASA) (credit:AP)
Seattle Sounders v Los Angeles Galaxy(26 of133)
CARSON, CA - MAY 26: Robbie Rogers (L) #14 of Los Angeles Galaxy comes into the game for Juninho #19 in the second half against the Seattle Sounders FC at The Home Depot Center on May 26, 2013 in Carson, California. The Galaxy defeated Sounders FC 4-0. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(27 of133)
Belgium's RSC Anderlecht coach John Van Den Brom, center, after winning the final soccer match of the Belgian League against SV Zulte Waregem at the Constant Vanden Stock stadium in Brussels, Sunday, May 19, 2013. (Yves Logghe / AP) (credit:Yves Logghe / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(28 of133)
Floyd Mayweather Jr. lands a left jab against Robert Guerrero in the fourth round during a WBC welterweight title fight, Saturday, May 4, 2013, in Las Vegas. (Isaac Brekken / AP) (credit:Isaac Brekken / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(29 of133)
Saudi Al-Hilal club player Nawaf Shaker celebrates after scoring a goal against Qatar's Al-Rayyan club during their AFC Champions League football match in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday, April 30, 2013. (Osama Faisal / AP) (credit:Osama Faisal / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(30 of133)
Oakland Athletics' Eric Sogard gets a shaving cream pie in the face from Josh Reddick, rear, after Sogard scored the winning run on a sacrifice bunt from Coco Crisp during 10th inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Sunday, April 28, 2013, in Oakland. Calif. Oakland won 9-8. (Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP) (credit:Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(31 of133)
Fans try to catch a bat that Arizona Diamondbacks' Cody Ross lost on his swing during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Tuesday, April 30, 2013, in Phoenix. (Matt York / AP) (credit:Matt York / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(32 of133)
A worker grooms away tracks after an alligator crossed through a sand trap on the 14th hole during the first round of the PGA Tour Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Thursday, April 25, 2013. (Gerald Herbert / AP) (credit:Gerald Herbert / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(33 of133)
Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Ben Revere dives for a fly out by St. Louis Cardinals' Carlos Beltran during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Philadelphia. (Matt Slocum / AP) (credit:Matt Slocum / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(34 of133)
In this photo made with a fisheye lens, Kevin Harvick celebrates winning the Toyota Owners 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race Saturday, April 27, 2013, at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va. (Jared C. Tilton / AP) (credit:Jared C. Tilton / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(35 of133)
Sunderland's manager Paolo Di Canio, celebrates after Stephane Sessegnon scores his goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Newcastle United at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Sunday, April 14, 2013. (Scott Heppell / AP) (credit:Scott Heppell / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(36 of133)
San Diego Padres' Carlos Quentin charges into Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Zack Greinke after being hit by a pitch in the sixth inning of baseball game in San Diego, Thursday, April 11, 2013. (Lenny Ignelzi / AP) (credit:Lenny Ignelzi / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(37 of133)
Minnesota Twins' Brian Dozier, left, flips over after making a catch of a shallow fly ball off the bat of Los Angeles Angels' Peter Bourjos as right fielder Chris Parmelee watches in the first inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 16, 2013, in Minneapolis. (Jim Mone / AP) (credit:Jim Mone / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(38 of133)
Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer reacts after a dunk during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons in Chicago, Sunday, March 31, 2013. The Bulls won 95-94. (Nam Y. Huh / AP) (credit:Nam Y. Huh / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(39 of133)
Baylor's Brittney Griner gestures as she answers a question during a news conference for a regional semifinal in the women's NCAA college basketball tournament in Oklahoma City, Saturday, March 30, 2013. Baylor is scheduled to play Louisville Sunday. (Sue Ogrocki / AP) (credit:Sue Ogrocki / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(40 of133)
Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos loses the ball as New York Yankees' Eduardo Nunez slides safely into home with home plate umpire Adam Hamari looking on at right during the fourth inning of an exhibition baseball game at Nationals Park Friday, March 29, 2013, in Washington. (Alex Brandon / AP) (credit:Alex Brandon / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(41 of133)
A young fan with his face painted with the colors of Chile's national flag gestures before the start of a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match against Uruguay in Santiago, Chile, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. (Victor R. Caivano / AP) (credit:Victor R. Caivano / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(42 of133)
Serena Williams reacts after winning a point against Dominika Cibulkova, of Slovakia, during the Sony Open tennis tournament, Monday, March 25, 2013, in Key Biscayne, Fla. Williams won 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. (Lynne Sladky / AP) (credit:Lynne Sladky / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(43 of133)
Austria's Wolfgang Loitzl soars through the air during his competition jump of the third stage of the four hills ski jumping tournament during foggy weather in Innsbruck, Austria, Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. (Matthias Schrader, AP) (credit:Matthias Schrader, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(44 of133)
Sweden's skip Margaretha Sigfridsson shouts during her gold medal game against Scotland at the 2013 world women's curling championship in Riga, Latvia, Sunday, March 24, 2013. (Roman Koksarov / AP) (credit:Roman Koksarov / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(45 of133)
Kyle Larson (32) goes into the catch fence as he collides with Justin Allgaier (31), Brian Scott (2), Parker Klingerman (77) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) at the conclusion of the NASCAR Nationwide Series auto race Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Terry Renna / AP) (credit:Terry Renna / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(46 of133)
Philadelphia Phillies center fielder Ben Revere makes a diving catch of Will Middlebrooks's seventh-inning fly ball in a spring training baseball game against the Boston Red Sox in Clearwater, Fla., Sunday, March 24, 2013. (Kathy Willens / AP) (credit:Kathy Willens / AP)
Johnny Manziel(47 of133)
Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel, right, celebrates a touchdown by teammate Ben Malena (1) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Rice, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013, in College Station, Texas. Manziel has been suspended for the first half of the team's game for what the school said was an "inadvertent" violation of NCAA rules by signing autographs. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (credit:AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(48 of133)
North Carolina coach Roy Williams cheers on his team during the second half of a second-round game against Villanova in the NCAA college basketball tournament Friday, March 22, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo. (Charlie Riedel / AP) (credit:Charlie Riedel / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(49 of133)
North Carolina's Dexter Strickland (1) and Reggie Bullock (35) stretch before practice for a second-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Thursday, March 21, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo. North Carolina is scheduled to play Villanova Friday. (Charlie Riedel / AP) (credit:Charlie Riedel / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(50 of133)
Michigan State guard Denzel Valentine (45) grabs a rebound over Valparaiso guard Matt Kenney (23) in the first half of a second-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament in Auburn Hills, Mich., Thursday March 21, 2013. (Paul Sancya / AP) (credit:Paul Sancya / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(51 of133)
Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen, left, of Finland, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, center, of Spain and Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel of Germany celebrate on the podium after the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 17, 2013. Raikonen won the race with Alonso second and Vettel third. (Andrew Brownbill / AP) (credit:Andrew Brownbill / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(52 of133)
Florida guard Mike Rosario (3) reacts after being fouled by Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the semifinals of the Southeastern Conference tournament, Saturday, March 16, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (John Bazemore / AP) (credit:John Bazemore / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(53 of133)
In this photo taken with a fisheye lens, Boston Bruins' Nathan Horton, left, celebrates a goal by Andrew Ference against Washington Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth (30) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Boston, Saturday, March 16, 2013. The Bruins won 4-1. (Winslow Townson / AP) (credit:Winslow Townson / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(54 of133)
Utah's Jason Washburn celebrates after blocking a shot by California in overtime during a Pac-12 men's tournament NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, March 14, 2013, in Las Vegas. Utah won 79-69. (Julie Jacobson / AP) (credit:Julie Jacobson / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(55 of133)
San Diego Padres shortstop Tyler Stubblefield misses a ground ball hit by Kansas City Royals' Orlando Calixte for a double in the ninth inning in an exhibition spring training baseball game Friday, March 15, 2013, in Surprise, Ariz. (Gregory Bull / AP) (credit:Gregory Bull / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(56 of133)
Miami's Kenny Kadji (35) tries to go over Illinois' D.J. Richardson for a shot during the first half of a third-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament Sunday, March 24, 2013, in Austin, Texas. (David J. Phillip / AP) (credit:David J. Phillip / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(57 of133)
Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat, of France, perform during a practice session for the World Figure Skating Championships, Tuesday, March 12, 2013, in London, Ontario. (Darron Cummings / AP) (credit:Darron Cummings / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(58 of133)
Alexa Scimeca and Chris Knierim, of the United States, react as they watch their scores during the pairs free program at the World Figure Skating Championships Friday, March 15, 2013, in London, Ontario. (Darron Cummings / AP) (credit:Darron Cummings / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(59 of133)
Wanderlei Silva, left, defeats Brian Stann by knockout in their light heavyweight fight during the UFC on FUEL TV event at Saitama Super Arena on March 3, 2013 in Saitama, Japan. (Josh Hedges / Zuffa LLC / Getty Images) (credit:Josh Hedges / Zuffa LLC / Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(60 of133)
Auburn forward Cabriana Capers (35) crashes into the scorer's table after saving the ball from going out of bounds during the second half of their NCAA college basketball game against LSU in the Southeastern Conference tournament, Thursday, March 7, 2013, in Duluth, Ga. LSU won 65-62. (John Bazemore / AP) (credit:John Bazemore / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(61 of133)
David Villa of FC Barcelona duels for a high ball with Fabio Coentrao and Pepe (R) of Real Madrid CF during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona at Bernabeu on March 2, 2013 in Madrid, Spain. (David Ramos / Getty Images) (credit:David Ramos / Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(62 of133)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, right, is smacked on the head by Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith as he puts up a shot during the first half of their NBA basketball game, Sunday, March 3, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Mark J. Terrill / AP) (credit:Mark J. Terrill / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(63 of133)
Jason Porplyzia of the Crows attempts to take a mark on the shoulders of Corey Enright of the Cats during the round two AFL NAB Cup match between the Geelong Cats and the Adelaide Crows at Simonds Stadium on March 2, 2013 in Geelong, Australia. (Scott Barbour / Getty Images) (credit:Scott Barbour / Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(64 of133)
To launch the release of Nitro Circus 3D : The Movie, available on DVD 25th March, Team Nitro Circus sets a Guinness World Record at 02 Arena on February 28, 2013 in London, England. (Clive Rose / Getty Images) (credit:Clive Rose / Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(65 of133)
Ronda Rousey, left, tries to pull an armbar on Liz Carmouche during their UFC 157 women's bantamweight championship mixed martial arts match in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. Rousey won the first women’s bout in UFC history, forcing Carmouche to tap out in the first round. (Jae C. Hong / AP) (credit:Jae C. Hong / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(66 of133)
Pumas' Luis Fuentes, top, heads the ball over Morelia's Aldo Leao during a Mexican soccer league match in Mexico City, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013. Pumas won 1-0. (Christian Palma / AP) (credit:Christian Palma / AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(67 of133)
Matt Smith of Oldham Athletic scores his team's second goal to make the score 2-2 during the FA Cup with Budweiser Fifth Round match between Oldham Athletic and Everton at Boundary Park on February 16, 2013 in Oldham, England. (Alex Livesey / Getty Images) (credit:Alex Livesey / Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(68 of133)
Florida linebacker Jon Bostic (1) hits Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) hard enough to dislodge his helmet in the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, in New Orleans. (Bill Haber, AP) (credit:Bill Haber, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(69 of133)
Andy Jones of the United States competes during the Red Bull Cliff Diving qualifying round in the Hawkesbury River on January 31, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Cameron Spencer, Getty Images) (credit:Cameron Spencer, Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(70 of133)
Los Angeles Kings right wing Dustin Brown (23) passes the puck against the Phoenix Coyotes in the second period during an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (Rick Scuteri, AP) (credit:Rick Scuteri, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(71 of133)
Stanford wide receiver Jamal-Rashad Patterson, left, makes a catch against Wisconsin defensive back Shelton Johnson (24) during the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013, in Pasadena, Calif. (Jae C. Hong, AP) (credit:Jae C. Hong, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(72 of133)
Jonathan Cassar competes in the senior men's free skate program at the U.S. figure skating championships in Omaha, Neb., Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. (Nati Harnik, AP) (credit:Nati Harnik, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(73 of133)
The Bungan suf life saving crew lose control of their boat during the Ocean Thunder Surf Boat Series at Dee Why Beach on February 2, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Cameron Spencer, Getty Images) (credit:Cameron Spencer, Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(74 of133)
St. John's forward Amir Garrett, top center, battles Georgetown players Otto Porter (22) and Jabril Trawick, behind, for a rebound during second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, in Washington. Georgetown won 68-56. (Richard Lipski, AP) (credit:Richard Lipski, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(75 of133)
Utah center Dallin Bachynski, left, and Colorado guard Askia Booker compete for a rebound in the first half during an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013 in Salt Lake City. (Steve C. Wilson, AP) (credit:Steve C. Wilson, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(76 of133)
Patrick Bordeleau #58 of the Colorado Avalanche lands a punch on Brad Staubitz #25 of the Anaheim Ducks as they engage in a fight at the Pepsi Center on February 6, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger, Getty Images) (credit:Doug Pensinger, Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(77 of133)
Nadine Browne (R) lands a right hook on Lauryn Eagle (L) during the Australian Female Lightweight Title bout at Sydney Entertainment Centre on January 30, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Matt King, Getty Images) (credit:Matt King, Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(78 of133)
Congo's Yves Diba beats out Mali's Samba Diakite for the ball during their African Cup of Nations Group B soccer match, in Durban, South Africa, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. (Rebecca Blackwell, AP) (credit:Rebecca Blackwell, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(79 of133)
A surfer takes part in the Arnette Punta Galea Big Wave World Tour, on January 28, 2013 in the Northern Spanish Basque town of Getxo. 16 surfers took part during the five hours surf competition, riding 5 meters high waves. (Rafa Rivas, AFP / Getty Images)) (credit:Rafa Rivas, AFP / Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(80 of133)
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) of the AFC pulls down New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) of the NFC after Pierre-Paul made an interception during the fourth quarter of the NFL Pro Bowl football game in Honolulu, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. The NFC beat the AFC 62-35. (Marco Garcia, AP) (credit:Marco Garcia, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(81 of133)
Matt Hopper of Quins is upended during the LV= Cup match between Harlequins and London Welsh at Twickenham Stoop on January 26, 2013 in London, England. (Tom Shaw, Getty Images) (credit:Tom Shaw, Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(82 of133)
Tennessee's Taber Spani, right, keeps the ball in play as she collides with Vanderbilt guard Kady Schrann, left, in the first half of an NCAA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. (Mark Humphrey, AP) (credit:Mark Humphrey, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(83 of133)
Ashley Cain competes in the Ladies Short Program during the 2013 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships at CenturyLink Center on January 24, 2013 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images) (credit:Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(84 of133)
San Jose Sharks center Tommy Wingels, right, is pressed up against the boards by Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek, of the Czech Republic, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. (Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP) (credit:Marcio Jose Sanchez, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(85 of133)
Villanova's Daniel Ochefu (23) reaches for a rebound as Ryan Arcidiacono (15) and Louisville's Chane Behanan watch during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, in Philadelphia. Villanova won 73-64. (Matt Slocum, AP) (credit:Matt Slocum, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(86 of133)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) is tackled by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) during the second half of the NFL football AFC Championship football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013. (Elise Amendola, AP) (credit:Elise Amendola, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(87 of133)
The shadow of a helicopter is projected over KTM rider Cyril Despres of France competes in the 12th stage of the 2013 Dakar Rally from Fiambala, Argentina, to Copiapo, Chile, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013. The race finishes in Santiago, Chile, on Jan. 20. (Victor R. Caivano, AP) (credit:Victor R. Caivano, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(88 of133)
Alabama's Devonta Pollard falls onto Missouri's Laurence Bowers as they scramble for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, in Columbia, Mo. Missouri won 84-68. (L.G. Patterson, AP) (credit:L.G. Patterson, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(89 of133)
Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix #6 of the Alabama Crimson Tide intercepts a pass intended for DaVaris Daniels #10 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the third quarter of the 2013 Discover BCS National Championship game at Sun Life Stadium on January 7, 2013 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images) (credit:Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(90 of133)
Duke fans yell as Clemson's K.J. McDaniels (32) inbounds the ball during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Duke in Durham, N.C., Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013. Duke won 68-40. (Gerry Broome, AP) (credit:Gerry Broome, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(91 of133)
Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein (7) dives for a touchdown as Oregon cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (14) defends during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, in Glendale, Ariz. (Ross D. Franklin, AP) (credit:Ross D. Franklin, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(92 of133)
France's Renaud Lavillenie competes in the men's pole vault final at the World Athletics Championships in the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Aug. 12, 2013. (David J. Phillip/AP) (credit:David J. Phillip/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(93 of133)
Taleb Nariman Nematpour, left, of Iran and Saman Ahman Tahmasebi of Azerbaijan fight in the final of the men’s Greco-Roman 84kg category of Wrestling World Championships in Papp Laszlo Budapest Sportsarena in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013. Nematpour won the bout. (Tibor Illyes/MTI/AP) (credit:Tibor Illyes/MTI/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(94 of133)
Andreas Wank of Germany competes during the first round for the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup event of the 61st Four Hills ski jumping tournament at Bergisel-Stadion on January 4, 2013 in Innsbruck, Austria. (Lars Baron, Bongarts / Getty Images) (credit:Lars Baron, Bongarts / Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(95 of133)
Jory Markiss of Longmont, Colo., flies off the bull Tapout during the seventh annual Professional Bull Riders Invitational finals rodeo at Madison Square Garden in New York, Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013. (Kathy Willens, AP) (credit:Kathy Willens, AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(96 of133)
Atlanta Braves' Chris Johnson hits a broken-bat single against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the seventh inning of Game 2 of the National League division series on Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, in Atlanta. (Dave Martin/AP) (credit:Dave Martin/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(97 of133)
Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan, left, and forward Blake Griffin, right, playfully shine the head of forward Lamar Odom as they sit on the bench during the second half of their NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Mark J. Terrill, AP) (credit:Mark J. Terrill, AP)
2013 US Open - Day 10(98 of133)
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 04: A general view of a women's quarter final match between Victoria Azarenka of Belarus and Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia on Day Ten at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 4, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals v Boston Red Sox(99 of133)
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 20: David Ortiz #34 of the Boston Red Sox speaks during a pre-game ceremony in honor of the bombings of Marathon Monday before a game at Fenway Park on April 20, 2013 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(100 of133)
Serena Williams, of the U.S, celebrates as she defeats Russia's Maria Sharapova during the Women's final match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium Saturday, June 8, 2013 in Paris. Williams won 6-4, 6-4. (David Vincent/AP) (credit:David Vincent/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(101 of133)
Boston Red Sox first baseman Mike Napoli celebrates after tagging out St. Louis Cardinals' Kolten Wong on a pick-off attempt to end Game 4 of baseball's World Series Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, in St. Louis. The Red Sox won 4-2 to ties the series at 2-2. (David J. Phillip/AP) (credit:David J. Phillip/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(102 of133)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) pushes off of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Michael Adams on a long run to set up a touchdown late in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013, in Seattle. (Elaine Thompson/AP) (credit:Elaine Thompson/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(103 of133)
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya (27), of Sweden, hugs Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) after winning Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals 3-2 against the Boston Bruins, Monday, June 24, 2013, in Boston. (Charles Krupa/AP) (credit:Charles Krupa/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(104 of133)
A spectator sits in a stairwell during a rain delay at the 2013 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, in New York. (David Goldman/AP) (credit:David Goldman/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(105 of133)
Houston Astros' Max Stassi is hit in the face by a pitch thrown by Texas Rangers reliever Tanner Scheppers during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (Jim Cowsert/AP) (credit:Jim Cowsert/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(106 of133)
Ireland's Emma Lunn dismounts as she competes on the balance beam during a qualification session at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013. The event will take place until Sunday, Oct. 6. (Virginia Mayo/AP) (credit:Virginia Mayo/AP)
Russ Smit, Gorgui Dieng, Chane Behanan(107 of133)
Louisville's Russ Smith (2), Gorgui Dieng (10) and Chane Behanan react to guard Kevin Ware's injury during the first half of the Midwest Regional final against Duke in the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 31, 2013, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) (credit:AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(108 of133)
Connecticut Sun's Renee Montgomery reacts during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Washington Mystics in Uncasville, Conn., Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. The Sun won 77-70. (Jessica Hill/AP) (credit:Jessica Hill/AP)
Chykie Brown(109 of133)
Baltimore Ravens defensive back Chykie Brown (23) lays in the confetti after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in the NFL Super Bowl XLVII football game, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Marcio Sanchez) (credit:AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(110 of133)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kenny Britt (18) flips upside down after making a catch as he is defended by San Diego Chargers defensive back Jahleel Addae (37) in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. Britt was unable to hold onto the ball and the pass was incomplete. (Mark Zaleski/AP) (credit:Mark Zaleski/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(111 of133)
A ball boy chair hops over a flooded area between Grandstand and Louis Armstrong stadiums during a rain delay in the fourth round of the 2013 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, in New York. (David Goldman/AP) (credit:David Goldman/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(112 of133)
Brazil's Neymar celebrates scoring his side's 2nd goal as Spain's Iker Casillas, background, sits on the floor during the soccer Confederations Cup final between Brazil and Spain at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, June 30, 2013. (Eugene Hoshiko/AP) (credit:Eugene Hoshiko/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(113 of133)
Jerome Coppel of France, left in red jersey, crashes during the fifth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 228.5 kilometers (142.8 miles) with start in Cagnes-sur-Mer and finish in Marseille, southern France, Wednesday July 3, 2013. (Jerome Prevost/L'Equipe/Pool/AP) (credit:Jerome Prevost/L'Equipe/Pool/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(114 of133)
Boston Red Sox right fielder Daniel Nava is unable to hold on to a fly ball from Kansas City Royals' Brett Hayes in the eighth inning of a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013. (Colin E. Braley/AP) (credit:Colin E. Braley/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(115 of133)
In this photo provided by the America's Cup Event Authority, Emirates Team New Zealand, left, nearly capsizes alongside Oracle Team USA, right, while heading for the windward marks during the eighth race of the America's Cup sailing event Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, in San Francisco. Oracle Team USA won the eighth race and the ninth race was called because of strong winds. (Abner Kingman/America's Cup Event Authority/AP) (credit:Abner Kingman/America's Cup Event Authority/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(116 of133)
San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Brown, right, scores past Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 9, 2013, in San Diego. (Gregory Bull/AP) (credit:Gregory Bull/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(117 of133)
Pablo Cesar Cano, right, lands a punch against Ashley Theophane in the eighth round during a welterweight fight, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, in Las Vegas. (Mark J. Terrill/AP) (credit:Mark J. Terrill/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(118 of133)
Uruguay's Luis Suarez, center, celebrates his goal against Peru with teammates Cristhian Stuani, left, and Edinson Cavani at a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game in Lima, Peru, Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. (Karel Navarro/AP) (credit:Karel Navarro/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(119 of133)
Eastern Kentucky's Ja'Tyuan Landing, left, gets pushed out of bounds by Louisville linebacker George Durant (34) after making a pass catch in their NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013. Louisville beat Eastern Kentucky 44-7. (Garry Jones/AP) (credit:Garry Jones/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(120 of133)
Members of the Tokyo 2020 delegation celebrate after Tokyo was awarded the 2020 Olympic Games during the 125th IOC session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013. (Victor R. Caivano/AP) (credit:Victor R. Caivano/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(121 of133)
In this photo taken on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, the Indupol One of the Belgian solar team leaves a control stop in Ti Tree, 191 kilometers North of Alice Springs, Australia. The solar challenge race, lasting for seven days, will take 43 participants over 3,021 kilometers before ending on Sunday, Oct 13. (Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP) (credit:Geert Vanden Wijngaert/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(122 of133)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) dives into the end zone past Green Bay Packers free safety M.D. Jennings (43) for a 3-yard touchdown run in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2013, in Cincinnati. (Al Behrman/AP) (credit:Al Behrman/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(123 of133)
Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov, of Russia, compete in the pairs short program at the Skate America figure skating competition in Detroit, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013. (Carlos Osorio/AP) (credit:Carlos Osorio/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(124 of133)
Golf star Tiger Woods of the United States makes a shot from East to West on the iconic Bosporus Bridge that separates the continents of Europe and Asia, in Istanbul, Turkey, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013. Woods will compete in the USD7million Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya, Nov. 7-10. (AP) (credit:AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(125 of133)
West Virginia' Ishmael Banks (34) reaches over the goal line for a touchdown after returning an interception 58-yards for the score during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Oklahoma State in Morgantown, W.Va., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013. Oklahoma State's J.W. Walsh defends on the play. (Tyler Evert/AP) (credit:Tyler Evert/AP)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(126 of133)
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP drives during the final practice session before qualifying for the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at Autodromo di Monza on September 7, 2013 in Monza, Italy. (Paul Gilham/Getty Images) (credit:Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(127 of133)
Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford of Canada skate during the gala exhibition on day three at the ISU GP 2013 Skate Canada International at Harbour Station on October 27, 2013 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. (Dave Sandford/Getty Images) (credit:Dave Sandford/Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(128 of133)
Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing celebrates with his team after winning the Indian Formula One Grand Prix at Buddh International Circuit on October 27, 2013 in Noida, India. (Vladimir Rys Photography/Getty Images) (credit:Vladimir Rys Photography/Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(129 of133)
Ondrej Rybin of the Czech Republic loses lycra from the seat of his shorts after a fall in the Men's Omnium Elimination Race on day one of the UCI Track Cycling World Cup at Manchester Velodrome on November 1, 2013 in Manchester, England. (Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(130 of133)
South Carolina faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday, November 2, 2013. (Kim Kim Foster-Tobin/The State/MCT/Getty Images) (credit:Kim Kim Foster-Tobin/The State/MCT/Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(131 of133)
Marc Marquez of Spain and Repsol Honda Team rounds the bend during the MotoGP of Valencia Free Practice at Ricardo Tormo Circuit on November 8, 2013 in Valencia, Spain. (Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images) (credit:Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(132 of133)
Chessboxers compete during the Chess Boxing Championships 2013 at the Izvestia Hall on November 28, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Anton Belitskiy/Kommersant/Getty Images) (credit:Anton Belitskiy/Kommersant/Getty Images)
Best 2013 Sports Photos(133 of133)
Wide receiver Devin Smith #9 of the Ohio State Buckeyes scores a touchdown in the first quarter as safety Josh Furman #14 of the Michigan Wolverines defends during a game at Michigan Stadium on November 30, 2013 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (credit:Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Support HuffPost
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.