Tom Brady’s retirement from the NFL might not be as final as fans thought. The legendary quarterback, who previously announced his retirement “for good,” has sparked speculation about a potential return to the field with a recent Instagram post. In the video, Brady is seen running sprints shirtless, captioned “24 years later.. No excuses. Show up for yourself so you can show up all damn day!”—a nod to his enduring fitness and commitment.

This development comes after Brady’s intriguing comments on the “Deep Cuts” podcast, where he expressed openness to returning to the NFL if the right call came. “I’m not opposed to it,” Brady mentioned, likening a potential comeback to Michael Jordan’s famous return to basketball. “I’m always going to be in good shape, always be able to throw the ball. So, to come in for a little bit, like MJ coming back, I don’t know if they’d let me, but I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

These statements contrast sharply with his previous assertions post-retirement, where he affirmed multiple times that his days on the gridiron were definitely over. Yet, his latest physical display and ambiguous remarks have left fans and commentators pondering whether another sensational comeback could be on the horizon for the NFL great. As anticipation builds, the sports world watches closely to see if this iconic athlete will indeed “show up” for another unexpected chapter in his storied career.

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In an electrifying game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov etched his name into the NHL history books by becoming only the fifth player ever to record a 100-assist season. During Wednesday night’s 6-4 victory, Kucherov not only scored a goal but also provided a critical assist on Brayden Point’s power-play goal, marking his 100th assist of the season.

This remarkable achievement places Kucherov among the ranks of hockey legends such as Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, and Connor McDavid, the latter of whom also reached the 100-assist milestone earlier the same week. The NHL had not seen such a feat in 32 seasons until McDavid’s achievement, making this year’s occurrence with two players all the more extraordinary.

“It’s a special moment,” said Kucherov, attributing his success to his teammates and the Lightning’s coaching staff. His teammate Brayden Point praised Kucherov’s work ethic and intelligence on the ice, emphasizing the impressiveness of reaching such a milestone.

Gretzky, the all-time leader with 1,963 career assists, had surpassed the 100-assist mark eleven times, with his last coming in the 1990-91 season. Kucherov’s landmark achievement not only highlights his skill but also marks a resurgence of high-caliber playmaking in the NHL.

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Keegan Murray, the Sacramento Kings’ forward, demonstrated his burgeoning star power in a pivotal NBA play-in game against the Golden State Warriors at the Golden 1 Center. With the stakes high, the 23-year-old forward seized the spotlight in what was his eighth postseason game, all against the Warriors. Murray’s familiarity with the opponent paid off as he delivered a stunning performance, leading his team to a 118-94 victory and keeping their playoff hopes alive.

From the outset, Murray was aggressive, scoring the team’s first points with a 26-foot 3-pointer within the first 31 seconds. His assertiveness set the tone for the game, as he continued to exploit the opportunities presented to him. Despite facing legendary opponents like Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, it was Murray who emerged as the standout player of the night.

Murray’s final stat line was impressive: 32 points on 10-of-20 shooting, including 8 of 13 from beyond the arc, along with nine rebounds and two steals. He was also a plus-20 in the plus/minus rating over 39 minutes on the court.

With key players Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk sidelined due to injuries, Murray knew he had to step up. He acknowledged the importance

of his enhanced role, especially with his teammates sidelined, emphasizing his commitment to making a significant impact both offensively and defensively.

The victory not only highlighted Murray’s individual talents but also underscored the collective resilience and potential of the Kings. Teammate De’Aaron Fox praised Murray’s performance and growth, noting his transformation from a rookie to a more dynamic player capable of influencing games at the highest level.

Coach Mike Brown also lauded Murray’s evolution, recognizing his transition from primarily a 3-point shooter to a more versatile threat on both ends of the floor. This game served as a testament to Murray’s hard work and potential, marking him as a critical asset for the Kings as they continue their quest in the playoffs.

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In a thrilling series opener at Citi Field on Monday night, the New York Mets rallied to overcome the Pittsburgh Pirates with a final score of 6-3. The game featured a series of pivotal moments that underscored the Mets’ resilience and strategic prowess.

Starting pitcher Adrian Houser encountered early challenges but managed to hold the Pirates at bay, showcasing significant improvement from his previous matchup against the Braves. Despite allowing a leadoff walk that led to Pittsburgh’s first run in the sixth inning, Houser’s performance set the stage for the Mets’ comeback.

The Pirates initially gained momentum with an RBI single from Andrew McCutchen and added two more runs, putting pressure on the Mets’ bullpen. However, the Mets’ offense ignited in the later innings, with pivotal contributions from Francisco Alvarez and Jeff McNeil, who helped level the score.

The true highlight came from Harrison Bader, whose eighth-inning two-run double not only gave the Mets the lead but also marked a significant moment in the game, showcasing his crucial role in the team’s lineup. Bader’s performance, coupled with a successful outing from the bullpen, including scoreless innings from Brooks Raley and Adam Ottavino, paved the way for Edwin Diaz to secure his fourth save of the season and the 100th of his career with the Mets.

This victory was a testament to the Mets’ fighting spirit and their ability to capitalize on crucial moments, setting an optimistic tone for the remainder of the series against the Pirates.

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The NBA’s 2023-24 regular season has wrapped up, setting the stage for the postseason’s thrilling commencement. In the Eastern Conference, teams locking in their playoff positions include the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, and Indiana Pacers. Meanwhile, the Western Conference sees the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns preparing for first-round action.

The excitement extends to the play-in tournament, determining the final playoff seeds. In the Eastern matchups, the Philadelphia 76ers will battle the Miami Heat, and the Chicago Bulls will face the Atlanta Hawks. Over in the West, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to clash with the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Sacramento Kings will meet the Golden State Warriors.

This play-in competition runs from Tuesday to Friday, with the official playoff games kicking off the following Saturday. Key moments from the last day of regular play included the Thunder clinching the No. 1 seed in the West after a decisive victory over the Mavericks, and the Knicks securing the No. 2 seed in the East following an overtime triumph against the Bulls. As the playoffs approach, each team’s journey promises high stakes and intense basketball action, capturing the essence of NBA competition.

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