Last Week in Las Vegas Sports (Dec 25 -31)
We have a miracle victory on Christmas, the Athletics Park rendering controversy and a tough loss for the Raiders. All this and more last week in Las Vegas sports (Dec 25 -31).
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Source. Las Vegas Raiders[/caption]
The Las Vegas Raiders came into their game Christmas against the Chiefs as underdogs. However, they quickly flipped the script when Bilal Nichols recovered a fumble for a touchdown. That put Las Vegas up by ten and was only the start of their dominance.
Then Patrick Mahomes got picked off by Jack Johnson for a 33-yard pick-six the very next series. These back-to-back defensive touchdowns put Las Vegas ahead 17-7 at halftime and had spirits burning bright. The Raiders later sealed the game with a field goal by Daniel Carlson to put up three more.
Aidan O’Connell went 9 of 21 for 62 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions during Monday’s game. Zamir White surprisingly got the most done for Las Vegas with 22 carries for 145 yards and 6.6 yards a carry. That’s not a great look for O’Connell, who is probably looking to remain the starter heading into next year.
[caption id="attachment_43630" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. Vegas Golden Knights[/caption]
The Las Vegas Golden Knights struggled in December but got a much-needed win Friday night over the Los Angeles Kings. This victory marks the end of a three-game losing streak for the defending Stanley Cup Champions and keeps them tied for second in the Pacific Division.
Michael Amadio, Jack Eichel, and William Karlsson scored goals for the Golden Knights in the victory. Logan Thompson returned from injury and only let two of 32 shots past him.
[caption id="attachment_43629" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]
Victor Wembanyama doesn't like Las Vegas. He told everyone who would listen he sees the city as a dystopia during an interview.
“I mean, to me, on Earth, it’s probably the closest thing to a dystopia,” Wembanyama told reporters with a smirk when asked about his thoughts on the city of Las Vegas. “I’m not the biggest fan of Vegas.”
It is worth noting that Victor Wembanyama is a French-born basketball player and might not exactly be accustomed to the massive spectacle of Las Vegas. Wemanyama might have to get used to visiting Vegas occasionally, though, if the NBA decides to bring an expansion team to Sin City. Maybe he’ll warm up to it.
[caption id="attachment_42462" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]
Antonio Pierce is 4-4 as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders and is hoping to earn the job permanently in 2024. Of course, he will have to beat heavyweights like Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, David Shaw, and Jim Harbough, but he is very popular in the locker room.
Everyone seems to be loving the job that Pierce has been doing and doesn't want to see him replaced. For example, a recent series of polls done by Silverandblackpride.com shows just how much fans are into each coaching candidate. One of these candidates is Jon Gruden, who has 59% of Raiders fans against his return.
Then there is former interim head coach Rich Bissacia. He is the guy Raiders fans wanted after the resignation of Jon Gruden, but they got Josh McDaniels instead. Bissacia also has 59% of fans against his return. Maybe the Raiders will learn from their mistakes and go with a guy who can rally a locker room.
More: 9 sporting events that are coming to Las Vegas in 2024
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Source. Oakland Athletics[/caption]
There are still many questions surrounding the Athletics move to Las Vegas, including renderings of the ballpark that haven’t been released. The renderings were supposed to be made public on December 4, but the release was canceled after a shooting. Fast forward four weeks, and we're still waiting.
Some believe this is due to the league not approving the current design. Others think that John Fischer is simply sitting on the renderings. The problem is that getting a city excited about a ballpark they haven't even seen is challenging.
The Athletics are only set to receive $380 million for the $1.5 billion lakefront stadium, leaving a huge deficit. They also face a lawsuit from a teachers' union that could cut into their funds. That’s why not seeing any renderings raises questions about the future.
[caption id="attachment_43627" align="alignnone" width="819"]
Source. Las Vegas Raiders[/caption]
On Sunday, New Year's Eve, the Las Vegas Raiders suffered a 23-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in a game that knocked them out of the 2024 playoffs. Aidan O’Connell completed 30 of 47 passes for 299 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the loss.
Las Vegas’s defense took a significant step back after allowing a touchdown in the game's opening three minutes. They also didn’t force one single turnover, which could have changed the game entirely. O’Connell did connect with Davantae Adams in the final minutes for a touchdown, but it wasn't enough to save their season.
This is just such a disappointing moment for the Raiders. They had all the momentum in the world and didn’t capitalize on it. All Las Vegas needed was two more wins to make the playoffs, but it doesn't look like it was meant to be. Unfortunately, that could be a major black mark on Antonio Pierce’s coaching career and stop him from becoming head coach.
Next: Las Vegas Sports Hall of Shame
#6 Las Vegas Raiders defeat the Chiefs 20-14 on Christmas Day
[caption id="attachment_43631" align="alignnone" width="819"]
Source. Las Vegas Raiders[/caption]The Las Vegas Raiders came into their game Christmas against the Chiefs as underdogs. However, they quickly flipped the script when Bilal Nichols recovered a fumble for a touchdown. That put Las Vegas up by ten and was only the start of their dominance.
Then Patrick Mahomes got picked off by Jack Johnson for a 33-yard pick-six the very next series. These back-to-back defensive touchdowns put Las Vegas ahead 17-7 at halftime and had spirits burning bright. The Raiders later sealed the game with a field goal by Daniel Carlson to put up three more.
Aidan O’Connell went 9 of 21 for 62 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions during Monday’s game. Zamir White surprisingly got the most done for Las Vegas with 22 carries for 145 yards and 6.6 yards a carry. That’s not a great look for O’Connell, who is probably looking to remain the starter heading into next year.
#5 Las Vegas Golden Knights back on track after 3-2 win over the Kings
[caption id="attachment_43630" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. Vegas Golden Knights[/caption]The Las Vegas Golden Knights struggled in December but got a much-needed win Friday night over the Los Angeles Kings. This victory marks the end of a three-game losing streak for the defending Stanley Cup Champions and keeps them tied for second in the Pacific Division.
Michael Amadio, Jack Eichel, and William Karlsson scored goals for the Golden Knights in the victory. Logan Thompson returned from injury and only let two of 32 shots past him.
#4 Victor Wembenyama roasts Las Vegas in a recent interview
[caption id="attachment_43629" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]Victor Wembanyama doesn't like Las Vegas. He told everyone who would listen he sees the city as a dystopia during an interview.
“I mean, to me, on Earth, it’s probably the closest thing to a dystopia,” Wembanyama told reporters with a smirk when asked about his thoughts on the city of Las Vegas. “I’m not the biggest fan of Vegas.”
It is worth noting that Victor Wembanyama is a French-born basketball player and might not exactly be accustomed to the massive spectacle of Las Vegas. Wemanyama might have to get used to visiting Vegas occasionally, though, if the NBA decides to bring an expansion team to Sin City. Maybe he’ll warm up to it.
#3 Poll reveals who Raiders fans DON'T want as their new head coach
[caption id="attachment_42462" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]Antonio Pierce is 4-4 as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders and is hoping to earn the job permanently in 2024. Of course, he will have to beat heavyweights like Jon Gruden, Rich Bisaccia, David Shaw, and Jim Harbough, but he is very popular in the locker room.
Everyone seems to be loving the job that Pierce has been doing and doesn't want to see him replaced. For example, a recent series of polls done by Silverandblackpride.com shows just how much fans are into each coaching candidate. One of these candidates is Jon Gruden, who has 59% of Raiders fans against his return.
Then there is former interim head coach Rich Bissacia. He is the guy Raiders fans wanted after the resignation of Jon Gruden, but they got Josh McDaniels instead. Bissacia also has 59% of fans against his return. Maybe the Raiders will learn from their mistakes and go with a guy who can rally a locker room.
More: 9 sporting events that are coming to Las Vegas in 2024
#2 Athletics still haven't released renderings of the Las Vegas ballpark
[caption id="attachment_43628" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. Oakland Athletics[/caption]There are still many questions surrounding the Athletics move to Las Vegas, including renderings of the ballpark that haven’t been released. The renderings were supposed to be made public on December 4, but the release was canceled after a shooting. Fast forward four weeks, and we're still waiting.
Some believe this is due to the league not approving the current design. Others think that John Fischer is simply sitting on the renderings. The problem is that getting a city excited about a ballpark they haven't even seen is challenging.
The Athletics are only set to receive $380 million for the $1.5 billion lakefront stadium, leaving a huge deficit. They also face a lawsuit from a teachers' union that could cut into their funds. That’s why not seeing any renderings raises questions about the future.
#1 Las Vegas Raiders fall to the Indianapolis Colts 23-20
[caption id="attachment_43627" align="alignnone" width="819"]
Source. Las Vegas Raiders[/caption]On Sunday, New Year's Eve, the Las Vegas Raiders suffered a 23-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in a game that knocked them out of the 2024 playoffs. Aidan O’Connell completed 30 of 47 passes for 299 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions in the loss.
Las Vegas’s defense took a significant step back after allowing a touchdown in the game's opening three minutes. They also didn’t force one single turnover, which could have changed the game entirely. O’Connell did connect with Davantae Adams in the final minutes for a touchdown, but it wasn't enough to save their season.
This is just such a disappointing moment for the Raiders. They had all the momentum in the world and didn’t capitalize on it. All Las Vegas needed was two more wins to make the playoffs, but it doesn't look like it was meant to be. Unfortunately, that could be a major black mark on Antonio Pierce’s coaching career and stop him from becoming head coach.
Next: Las Vegas Sports Hall of Shame