Dunk of the year? 😤

It's that weird time of year when no one knows what day it is and we're all just waiting for things to go back to normal as we sit in our PJs all day.

Enjoy the last Playmaker Newsletter of 2022 and catch y'all next year!

Today's rundown:

• 2022, rewind it back ⏮️

• Ja dropped some heat 👟

• Chargers clinch their playoff spot ⚡️

• College Football Playoffs are coming 🏈

• Aaron Gordon’s crazy poster 😱

🎉 This Year in Sports

To put a bow on 2022, here's my top moments in sports this year:

• The Rams brought their city a championship in Los Angeles

• Two of the top tennis stars, Serena Williams and Roger Federer, closed out their career

• Aaron Judge chased milestones and was crowned the AL Home Run King

• Tom Brady retiring…but then un-retiring 40 days later

• The Golden State Champs won their fourth title in eight years #dynasty

• I’m still not over Justin Jefferson’s catch of the year

• The Aces brought Vegas their first major pro sports championship

• Kansas stole the the NCAA tournament after their comeback win over the Tar Heels

• Messi made his mark in one of the greatest World Cup Finals

• The Astros won another World Series… Can they run it back?

👟 Copping or dropping the Ja 1s?

Last week, Ja released his first signature sneaker with Nike, the Ja 1 “Day One”. The Grizzlies point guard said the shoe is inspired by his dedication to the game and his roots.

He teased the sneaker in a cute commercial with his daughter, Kaari, one of his biggest inspirations.

To collab with a top brand like Nike is a milestone that several other elite athletes have done in years prior. The 23-year-old is the 23rd NBA player in league history to do so behind stars like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Paul George.

Much like his dynamic personality and exciting style of play, the shoe will feature several different colorways.

On Christmas Day, 12 wore the “Chimney” colorway with an ashy purple and turquoise, along with a special message on the back of the shoe that read: we ain’t ducking no smoke. Let ‘em know, Ja! (He had to eat his words after Golden State gifted him that L, though...but still a dope addition to the shoe).

As the people’s champ he is, Ja posted on his Instagram that he’s giving out a pair of his shoes to 12 lucky fans within the next week.

For all other fans that want to secure their hands on the shoe, the Ja 1s will be available globally April 2023.

For all my sneaker heads, go follow @PlaymakerKicks.

⚡️ Chargers are Playoff bound!

After Monday night’s 20-3 victory against the Colts, Justin Herbert is playoff bound for the first time in his career. It definitely won’t be his last appearance. Against Indianapolis, Herbert completed 24 of 31 passes for 235 yards and an interception.

Meanwhile, Colts quarterback Nick Foles played arguably the worst QB game we’ve ever seen. The Chargers held him to 17-of-29 passes for 143 yards with three interceptions, and sacked him SEVEN times.

Let’s not even talk about how the Colts were 0-for-10 on third down.

Los Angeles had it under control Monday night, but even as they head into the postseason, Herbert says the team has room for improvements. Some of the things he mentioned was getting the team to focus on finishing in the red zone while limiting penalties and turnovers.

Do you think the Chargers can make a run in the playoffs?

🏀 Live with Nate Robinson

Join NBA Legend Nate Robinson on Thursday, Dec. 29 for a live Whatnot show.

We'll be breaking NBA Hobby boxes, NBA Blasters, and giving away Hangers all day. Nate will also be signing jerseys, basketballs, KryptoNate trading cards and much more.

For our friends in Washington, you can watch in person and bring items to DJ’s Card shop in Bellevue, WA for Nate to sign if you make a donation to the National Kidney Foundation.

Join Nate at 3pm PST (6pm EST) right here on Whatnot.

🏆 And then there were 4

The College Football Playoff semi-finals are happening this weekend. Which matchup are you most excited for?

Michigan is the best team out of the four and are expected to win it all.

For the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, TCU will have to lock in against Michigan’s dominant offense. I’m thinking TCU’s rush defense will have to help out in forcing turnovers, but ultimately Michigan got this one in the bag.

As for the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl matchup, Ohio State is the favored team to win this one. After they went 11-1 in the regular season, we know exactly what they’re all about.

Regardless, Georgia is sure to apply some pressure defensively on the Buckeyes, so this game will be a close one.

Which two teams do you have meeting in the National Championship game?

🎁 A Christmas Day game with all the excitement

In the Nugget’s 128-125 dub over the Suns, there were definitely a few standout players.

For one, Jokic scored yet another triple-double with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists. He just doesn't miss, does he? I’m telling you, he’s really trying to three-peat MVP.

Then in OT, Aaron Gordon stole the show. The guy laid Landry Shamet to rest! Dunk of the year?? That was just nasty.

It only hurt the Suns even more when Devin Booker headed out the game early with a groin injury, but it is what it is. Rest of the team gotta step up, and they just couldn't get it done.

Plus, how are you gonna miss two clutch free throws @CP? Do better.

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• 🏀 You better talk that talk lil’ man!

• 😤 This mascot was laser focused on the end goal

• 🕺 I was not expecting him to pop up

• 😂 I’ve never seen this celebration dance before

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