MERCEDES: The story of of a team that refused to stay down
Most people think of Mercedes-Benz as just a brand for luxury cars and Maybachs you see on the road. But its story in motorsport is very different, and much deeper. It goes all the way back to the 1950s. The journey of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team doesn’t really start in today’s Formula 1 paddock; it starts like a legend, where speed, innovation, and ambition first came together to build what we now know as the Silver Arrows.Now, before we head into how Mercedes created an empire of its own, let’s look at why Mercedes have the upper hand this season.The 2026 season introduced another major regulatory overhaul in Formula 1, offering teams a fresh opportunity to reset. This time, Mercedes approached the changes with a very different mindset, avoiding the pitfalls that hit them in 2022.Mercedes developed an entirely new aerodynamic philosophy, focusing on creating a car that performed consistently across different circuits and conditions. This broader operating window allowed them to extract performance more reliably, something that had been missing in previous years.
Mercedes F1 2026 (Image Credit: F1)
In the 2026 Formula 1 season, Andrea Kimi Antonelli currently leads the World Drivers’ Championship with 72 points. Driving for Mercedes alongside teammate George Russell, the 19-year-old Italian has had a record-breaking start to the year, securing back-to-back victories in China and Japan. By winning in Japan, he became the youngest driver in F1 history to lead the standings. His win in Shanghai was the first for an Italian driver in 20 years, since Giancarlo Fisichella in 2006.On 1 February 2024, Mercedes confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will depart after 12 years with the team, having activated an exit clause to sign a multi-year deal with Scuderia Ferrari starting from the 2025 season. Later that year, on 31 August 2024, Mercedes announced junior driver Kimi Antonelli as his replacement. On 19 December 2024, Valtteri Bottas was confirmed to return to Mercedes as a reserve driver. However, his second stint with the team was short-lived, as he departed ahead of the 2026 season to join the newly established Cadillac F1 Team. But the 19-year-old has proven his worth in the first three rounds of the Grand Prix.Mercedes secured back-to-back three podiums in F1 after almost 4 years, which Hamilton used to do in almost every race for Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes Era (2014–2021): A Period of Unmatched Dominance
After making a comeback in Formula 1, Mercedes had an era of dominance, largely because of the hero of the team, Lewis Hamilton. The period between 2014 and 2021 represents the peak of Hamilton’s dominance in Formula 1 with Mercedes. Across these eight seasons, Hamilton secured six World Drivers’ Championships (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020), establishing himself as the defining driver of the hybrid era. The only seasons where he fell short came in 2016, when teammate Nico Rosberg edged him to the title, and in 2021, when he lost out to Max Verstappen in a dramatic and controversial finale.
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Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes (Mercedes/F1 Photo)
By 2019 and 2020, Hamilton’s dominance reached another level. In 2019, he amassed a record-breaking points tally for a single season, showcasing complete control over the championship. The 2020 season further cemented his legacy, as he equalled Schumacher’s record of seven world titles and became the most successful driver in terms of race victories, surpassing 91 wins at the Portuguese Grand Prix.The 2021 season, however, brought one of the most dramatic title fights in Formula 1 history. Hamilton achieved his milestone 100th race win but ultimately lost the championship to Max Verstappen in a controversial Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the end of his uninterrupted reign at the top.But it was not only Hamilton’s era; it was the era of Mercedes, when Formula 1 shifted from raw pace to a balance of energy management. This is where Mercedes gained a decisive edge. Their power unit was not only the most powerful on the grid but also the most efficient in how it used and deployed energy. Unlike traditional engines, hybrid units rely heavily on energy recovery systems. Mercedes perfected this balance early. Their engine could generate strong straight-line speed while consuming less fuel, which allowed drivers to push harder for longer without compromising race strategy. Efficiency also meant better thermal management and reliability, two factors that often decide championships over a long season.This particular factor of the engine was fully understood by Hamilton, which he adapted to very quickly season after season. That period was known as the Mercedes-Hamilton era, when other teams were competing for second place because Mercedes always had the upper hand, until 2021, when the actual downfall of Mercedes and Hamilton began.
2022 – The Miscalculation That Changed Everything
When Formula 1 introduced ground-effect aerodynamics in 2022, it fundamentally changed how cars generated performance. Instead of relying mainly on wings, cars now produced most of their downforce from airflow under the floor. This meant teams had to rethink everything, from car shape to suspension to airflow management.Before teams could fully adapt, Mercedes faced a psychological setback after losing to Red Bull in 2021, where Max Verstappen won his first championship in the finale. The Mercedes era was shattered, and then the aerodynamic changes hit the team.Mercedes chose not to follow the conventional design path. Instead, they introduced one of the most radical concepts in modern F1, the “zero sidepod” design, where the bulky side structures were almost entirely removed.From an engineering perspective, the idea was genuinely innovative. Traditional sidepods guide airflow around the car, but they also create drag and can disturb clean airflow toward the rear. In theory, this concept could have unlocked a completely new design philosophy, giving Mercedes an advantage similar to what they had in 2014.Normally, if a concept doesn’t work, teams can gradually shift direction. Mercedes couldn’t, because their design was so extreme and different. Technically, Mercedes lost performance. But psychologically, they lost something even bigger, control. They bet on a revolutionary idea, but in Formula 1, revolution only works if it’s controllable.This four-year period was not their only downfall. Before winning back-to-back championships, when they returned in 2010, they were not even close to competing for titles. But where were they over the long term?
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The Origins: 1950s Dominance and Withdrawal
Mercedes’ dominance actually dates back to the 1950s. They entered Formula 1 in 1954, and Juan Manuel Fangio won the championship that year and again in 1955. However, the team withdrew from motorsport after the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster. Mercedes returned as a works team in 2010, they signed 7 time champion Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Although results between 2010 and 2013 appeared modest, this period was a carefully planned rebuild.
Mercedes Formula 1 car from 1950s (Photo: f1)
Behind the scenes, Mercedes was constructing a long-term system rather than chasing short-term success. This groundwork laid the foundation for their dominance in the hybrid era. The results were in the favor of the team winning 7 record championships, until they hit with Psychological setback in 2021.After the domination era, Mercedes was way back in the race for three consecutive seasons from 2022 to 2025, and then something happened that completely shocked the world of Formula 1.
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The Hamilton Exit: Why It Changed Everything at Mercedes
When Lewis Hamilton left the Mercedes, it wasn’t just a routine driver move, it was the breaking point of an era that had defined modern Formula 1. Hamilton and Mercedes weren’t just successful, they were interdependent. Over nearly a decade, they built one of the most dominant partnerships the sport has ever seen. But beyond statistics, Hamilton was central to how Mercedes functioned. He wasn’t just driving the car, he was shaping its development. His feedback influenced design philosophy, race strategy, and even team confidence.
Lewis Hamilton championship (Image: F1)
Now, in 2026, Mercedes’ aerodynamic and engine package is fully under their control. Drivers Andrea Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have been actively involved in the engineering process, and the results are there for the world to see, with both drivers leading Grands Prix.Mercedes in F1 is truly a story of the rebirth of an empire. First, they dominated in an era of raw pace, then withdrew after a tragic accident. When they returned, they learned and built a seven-year period of dominance, after that a psychological setback. Now, they are experiencing yet another rebirth, with a completely different structure within the team.
PSG did not prepare in the best possible way for their Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday. With a reshuffled squad, PSG were held to a 2-2 draw at home by Lorient. The result had no impact on the title race, as Lens also failed to win at Nice (1-1) and remain six points behind PSG.
It’s crisis time in Marseille. Marseille suffered their fourth defeat in their last six Ligue 1 matches, being heavily beaten by struggling Nantes (3–0).
Arsenal, meanwhile, extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to six points after a comfortable win against Fulham. In Spain, Barcelona have almost secured the league title after their victory over Osasuna.
In Formula 1, Lando Norris won the sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix while Marta Kostyuk secured Madrid Open title for first time in tennis.
SRH vs KKR LIVE Score | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders LIVE Updates, IPL 2026: Big Matheesha Pathirana Suspense As KKR Face SRH In Must-Win Clash
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders LIVE Score, IPL 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL 2026 clash on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Pat Cummins and Co. are enjoying a superb run this season and head into the contest on the back of two remarkable run chases. Against Rajasthan Royals, SRH successfully chased down a daunting target of 229, before making light work of a massive 243 against Mumbai Indians in their previous match. KKR, meanwhile, have finally found some rhythm in the tournament after registering victories in their last two games. With both teams gaining momentum at a crucial stage of the season, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a key fixture as they look to keep their campaigns firmly on track. (Live Scorecard)
SRH vs KKR, IPL 2026 Live Updates, straight from Hyderabad:
There’s being in the zone, and then there’s whatever realm of hockey greatness Logan Stankoven has unlocked this spring. The Hurricanes forward was sensational in Round 1 against the Ottawa Senators, scoring in all four games of his squad’s sweeping victory, and he wasted no time making his mark on Round 2 as he led Carolina to a 3-0 series-opening win over the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday night.
Just as he did versus Ottawa, Stankoven was the first to light the lamp in this series — he needed just 91 seconds to make his mark against the Flyers. He added another goal in the second frame to give Carolina a 3-0 lead, bringing his post-season goal tally to six through just five games.
We saw glimpses of his playoff clutch gene last year when Stankoven scored twice in Carolina’s playoff opener against New Jersey and also opened the Hurricanes’ scoring in Round 2 versus Washington. His strong start again this spring has proven to have plenty of staying power. With Saturday’s two-goal performance, the 23-year-old is now tied for the league lead in playoff goals with Tampa Bay’s Brandon Hagel and Minnesota’s Matt Boldy, with one fewer game to his name.
Carolina extends unique streak
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Through five games of these playoffs, the Hurricanes are making post-season hockey look easy. They never once trailed through four games against Ottawa last round, and with their 3-0 victory on Saturday, they extended that streak to five straight games of playoff domination. And, just like their series against Ottawa, Carolina kicked off Round 2 against the Flyers with a shutout win.
They’ve now outscored playoff opponents by a combined score of 14-5 through five matchups.
Philly learning on the fly (the hard way)
After ousting the Pittsburgh Penguins in overtime of Game 6 Wednesday night, the Flyers had just two days to rest and reset for Game 1 of their second-round series against the Hurricanes — and it showed.
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A turnaround that quick is a tough ask for any team, but for a Flyers squad coming off such an emotional, turbulent return to playoff hockey, there’s no question it’s taken its toll. We saw it on the injury report, too, with forward Owen Tippett held out of Game 1 and now given a short runway to heal up and return to the lineup.
There’s plenty of hockey ahead to right the ship, but not much time to ready the crew going forward. Game 2 is set for Monday night, giving them just one day to review film on this one and learn from it.
And there’s a lot to learn. Top priority will be trying to get something — anything — going on the power-play. While neither side of this matchup excelled with the man advantage on Saturday night, with both the Flyers and Hurricanes going 0-for-4 on the power play, the Flyers’ unit clearly needs a lot of work. It’s been a weakness all season, registering a league-worst 15.7 per cent success rate. They scored just two power-play goals on 17 opportunities against Pittsburgh in Round 1. Carolina’s penalty kill allowed Ottawa just one power-play goal on 21 chances, and was just as stifling in Game 1 Saturday night. Through their first three power plays, Philadelphia couldn’t muster a single shot on goal. They finally registered two during their final power play of the night.
Rest is best for Andersen
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There was no rest-versus-rust debate when it came to this matchup. Rest won out by a mile. Carolina entered Saturday’s contest on a full week’s rest, and no player benefited more than goaltender Frederik Andersen. The veteran netminder was at his best Saturday night, stopping all 19 shots he faced for his second straight series-opening shutout. That brings his post-season goals-against average to an otherworldly 0.90, while registering a .961 save percentage through five games. Pacing can be tricky for goalies in the playoffs — long breaks can mess with flow, while the intense schedule can bring too heavy a workload at times. So far, it’s looking like the Hurricanes’ conservative approach to Andersen’s playing time is paying off.
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks with a referee before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
It’s time to start thinking about the summer for the Minnesota Vikings, with free agency and the draft in the rearview. Every year, we ask our writers to think outside the box in May, delivering bold predictions that are designed to be funky, brash, and outside the box.
Twelve predictions. One busy summer. Minnesota has plenty to sort out before Week 1.
Here’s what they said for the summer of 2026.
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The Vikings’ Summer Could Bring More Than Routine Roster Tweaks
What’s your hottest take for the Vikings before the start of Week 1?
Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy shares a postgame moment with Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil on the field at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Dec. 7, 2025, in Minneapolis marking a tightly contested matchup that carried late-season implications. The exchange captured McCarthy’s visible reaction as Minnesota continued evaluating its quarterback trajectory. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
1. J.J. McCarthy Wins the QB1 Job
Predictor: Wes Johnson
J.J. McCarthy emerges as the team’s QB1 to open the season after a strong camp battle with Kyler Murray. While this is low-hanging fruit, it’s something that could definitely happen and would light VikingsTwitter on fire.
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2. Vikings Add Not One, But Two, Notable WRs
Predictor: Tony Schultz
My hot summer take is that the Vikings don’t sign a veteran wide receiver. They sign two. Jauan Jennings came in for a talk with the team. He hung out for the day and then left. Don’t worry, he’ll be back. I think the Vikings double down and later pick up DeAndre Hopkins later on. Why? The team has shaved the cap back some, and Hopkins is running out of time in the NFL.
At 33, he sees his personal window closing and his friend and former teammate, Kyler Murray, on a team loaded with offensive talent. For a cheap one-year deal, he gets the Vikings to bring him on board for a fearsome wide receiver corps that makes you pick your poison between the twenties and in the redzone.
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3. Charles Demmings Turns into a Starting CB
Predictor: Josh Frey
The Vikings brought in James Pierre as a free agent with upside, but the athletic ability of Charles Demmings shouldn’t be overlooked. He is a great football player with the ability to find the football in coverage. With a little development over the summer, he could become a starting cornerback alongside Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers.
4. Tyron Ingram-Dawkins Starts at DT; Caleb Banks Does Not
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Predictor: Sean Borman
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins will start for Caleb Banks to begin the season. This is not an injury statement but a development one; it gives Banks a little team to watch and shows how Flores would like the position played.
5. Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange Easily Win Starting DT Jobs
Predictor: Brevan Bane
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Caleb Banks and Big Citrus will both win starting jobs during camp. Two top draft picks winning starting jobs may not sound crazy, but both immediately getting starting roles over solid depth players like Levi Drake Rodriguez and Elijah Williams isn’t guaranteed. Van Ginkel-Redmond-Orange-Banks-Turner could be an absolute force to be reckoned with on the defensive front in 2026.
6. The Trades Are Not Done
Predictor: Kyle Joudry
The bold prediction is that the Vikings’ trading isn’t done. Someone else gets moved. Maybe it’s Ivan Pace Jr., Walter Rouse, or someone else. But a deal gets done involving a currently rostered player getting traded.
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7. Six Rookies Start Week 1
Predictor: Henrique Gucciardi
Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy stands alongside tight end Max Bredeson during first-half action against Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl, with Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena capturing a high-stakes moment as Michigan pushed toward a national title appearance. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
There are a lot of positions up for grabs on the roster, and I liked what Rob Brzezinski and the coaching staff did in the draft. So I’m betting that Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, Domonique Orange, Jakobe Thomas, Max Bredeson, and Gavin Gerhardt will prove themselves during training camp and be early contributors.
8. A New Starting Safety Not Yet on the Roster
Predictor: Ali Siddiqui
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The Vikings will sign a safety in August to replace the retired Harrison Smith.
9. J.J. McCarthy Looks Great, Turns into Hot Trade Commodity
My bold prediction is that J.J. McCarthy actually makes legitimate strides in camp and preseason and becomes a hot trade candidate. Murray wins the job, but McCarthy changes his perception and wins the clear QB2 job over Wentz.
Predictor: Cole Smith
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10. Vikings Add Leonard Floyd (OLB) and a Former 49ers WR
Predictor: Dustin Baker
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Leonard Floyd reacts after a key interception during second-half action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with Oct. 13, 2025, in Atlanta capturing a momentum-shifting moment against the Buffalo Bills as Floyd celebrated the defensive play amid a competitive regular-season environment. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Leonard Floyd was on the 2021 Super Bowl team with Kevin O’Connell when the Los Angeles Rams took down the Cincinnati Bengals. O’Connell dials up Floyd for the vacant OLB3 spot. And between Jauan Jennings, Deebo Samuel, or Brandon Aiyuk — one is the Week 1 WR3 for the Vikings.
11. Safety Jay Ward Dominates
Predictor: Adam New
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Tennessee Titans wide receiver Racey McMath is brought down by Minnesota Vikings defenders Jay Ward and Kalon Barnes at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Aug. 19, 2023, in Minneapolis highlighting a preseason clash featuring depth players fighting for roster roles and defensive positioning during an active evaluation period for both teams. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY NETWORK
Jay Ward shines during the preseason and becomes the Vikings’ best safety over the course of the 2026 season.
t12.Jakobe Thomas Earns a Starting Job
Predictor: Janik Eckardt
At safety, it’ll be 3rd-Rounder Jakobe Thomas in the starting role, not a potentially returning Harrison Smith or more experienced Theo Jackson and Jay Ward. Brian Flores hand-picked his new safety.
t12. Jakobe Thomas Starts a Safety despite Harrison Smith Back for Year No. 15
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Predictor: Ted Schwerzler
The Vikings get a return from Harrison Smith, but Jakobe Thomas still starts anyway. The rookie winds up taking a spot from either Jay Ward or Theo Jackson.
Barcelona are now just one step away from lifting the La Liga title after grinding out a 2-1 win over Osasuna, but apart from the result, the night in Pamplona had its own storylines that say a lot about the mood inside the squad.
With three matches left, Barcelona sit comfortably at the top of the table with 88 points, holding a strong lead over Real Madrid.
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The equation is simple now – if Real Madrid fail to win their next game against Espanyol, the title will officially be heading back to Camp Nou.
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The match itself was tight for long spells, but Barcelona found their breakthrough late on.
In the 81st minute, Marcus Rashford delivered a precise cross from the right, and Robert Lewandowski timed his run perfectly to head home.
Just five minutes later, the game was effectively wrapped up. Fermin Lopez played a clever pass through the defence, allowing Ferran Torres to break free and finish calmly past the goalkeeper.
It was a quick one-two punch that turned a tense game into a decisive result.
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On the night when Barcelona strikers were on the scoresheet, there were a few incidents that you might have missed. Here are three such events.
“Campeones” already ringing out
Even though the title is not mathematically secured yet, the feeling around the stadium suggested it is only a matter of time.
Barcelona supporters in the stands were already chanting “Campeones”, and the energy was clearly felt by the players on the pitch.
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There was a sense that the job is almost done. Whether it comes via Madrid dropping points or in the upcoming Clasico, the belief inside the camp is growing stronger with every result.
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Rain rain go away
The matchday itself was far from smooth, as heavy rain caused problems throughout the evening, with conditions turning chaotic at times.
While the pitch held up well, the same could not be said for the away dugout.
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Water leaks created an uncomfortable situation for the Barcelona staff, who were forced to improvise and deal with the issue mid-game.
It was an incident that brought a few chuckles, with even Hansi Flick seen reacting with a smile at the situation.
If there was one player who stood out despite not being on the pitch, it was Raphinha.
Back from injury but not involved in the match, the Brazilian could not hide his energy on the bench.
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As Barcelona took control of the game, his mood lifted, and he even found time for a light-hearted moment.
Wearing gloves in unusually cold conditions, he jokingly tapped the club doctor before pretending innocence, adding a bit of humour to an already emotional night.
For now, Barcelona have done their part, meaning all eyes shift to Real Madrid’s result. If things go their way, the title celebrations could begin sooner than expected.
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Either way, this win felt like it called for a title celebration.
Clutch doesn’t even begin to describe Toronto Raptors star RJ Barrett’s season-saving shot.
The Raptors, down 3-2 in the series, were trailing the Cleveland Cavaliers 110-109 with 10.9 seconds left in the fourth quarter at the Scotiabank Arena on Friday night.
Barrett inbounded the ball to Scottie Barnes, with the Raptors needing a basket to save their season. Barnes dribbled to the free-throw line and then kicked the ball back to Barrett, who was waiting at the top of the key.
Toronto Raptors’ RJ Barrett celebrates with fans after a win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 of the first-round NBA playoffs in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on May 1, 2026.(Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press via AP)
Barrett launched a 3-pointer, a shot that needed to find the back of the net if the Raptors were to force a Game 7 and extend their season. Instead, Barrett found the back of the rim and the ball bounced nearly seven feet off it.
The ball then came down and fell through the net, giving the Raptors a 112-110 lead with 1.2 seconds left. Evan Mobley had a chance to win it for the Cavaliers, but his 3-pointer bounced off the front of the rim as time expired.
Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said he felt like Barrett’s shot was in the air for an eternity.
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“It was only half a second, but it felt like an eternity,” Rajakovic said. “I was happy for him, for this team, for this city, that the shot went down.”
Barrett said he knew it had a chance to fall because of where the ball landed on the rim.
Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett scored the winning basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during overtime in game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on May 1, 2026.(Nick Turchiaro/Imagn Images)
“I thought it was still good because it went straight up,” Barrett said. “When it goes straight up, you have a chance.”
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Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson had a more succinct reaction to Barrett’s season-saving shot.
“Sometimes the basketball gods aren’t with you,” Atkinson said.
The Cavaliers are now looking to turn the page and win Game 7 at home.
“This is why you fight so hard to get home-court advantage,” Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said. “We knew this wasn’t going to be easy. This is the playoffs, this is what it’s about. We’ve got to recover and get ready for Sunday’s game.”
Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett reacts after scoring the winning basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, on May 1, 2026.(Nick Turchiaro/Imagn Images)
“Protect home court,” Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell said. “It doesn’t matter if we lost by 30 or two, protect home court. That’s all you can do.”
For Raptors fans, the friendly bounce was reminiscent of an even bigger playoff basket north of the border: Kawhi Leonard’s four-bounce, buzzer-beating winner against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7 of the 2019 Eastern Conference semifinals.
Raptors fans hope they can get another special memory when the team plays the Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m. ET.
MIAMI — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami had a 3-0 lead over rival Orlando City, looking poised to finally get what would be a historic first win inside the team’s new stadium.
History was indeed made — by Orlando City, that is.
Martin Ojeda scored three goals, Tyrese Spicer had the go-ahead goal in the third minute of stoppage time and Orlando City stunned Inter Miami 4-3 on Saturday night — becoming just the third team in MLS history to rally from a 3-0 deficit and get a victory.
“Greatest comeback in MLS HISTORY?” read a headline on MLS’ website after the match.
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Orlando would surely say so.
Messi had a goal and two assists in his 100th appearance for the club, and somehow that wasn’t enough against a team that came into the night near the bottom of the MLS standings. Inter Miami fell to 0-1-3 at its new stadium, and the defending champions are one of only three teams in MLS winless at home so far this season.
Ian Fray and Telasco Segovia also scored for Inter Miami, which was unbeaten (5-0-6) in its last 11 matches across all competitions and its last nine matches (5-0-4) in MLS play. And afterward, Fray said that Messi had words in the locker room — calling the outcome “unacceptable.”
“We all agree with him,” Fray said. “It is unacceptable.”
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According to MLS, the other two matches where a team rallied from 3-0 down to win — excluding a shootout win by the MetroStars in 1996 — were Seattle beating D.C. United 4-3 in 2017 and LA Galaxy beating LAFC 4-3 in 2018.
Orlando City (3-7-1) had won only two of its last 15 MLS matches — including playoffs — dating to last season. Orlando City also was 0-4-1 on the road in MLS play this season.
None of that mattered. Ojeda scored in the 39th minute to send Orlando into the half down 3-1. He scored again in the 68th minute to make matters interesting.
Too interesting from the Inter Miami perspective.
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Ojeda had a great chance to tie it in the 73rd minute, alone on the right side of the box. But Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair came well off his line and made a point-blank save to keep the score 3-2.
Ojeda wouldn’t be denied, connecting on a penalty kick in the 78th minute to tie things up at 3-3. He had another chance in the 80th minute, with St. Clair stopping that one with his face — yes, his face — to keep the match tied.
Spicer eventually got the go-ahead goal for the visitors, Messi and the Herons kept arguing over what they felt were missed calls, and time ran out.
Inter Miami has four matches left before MLS’ seven-week stoppage for the FIFA World Cup begins. None of those looming opponents — Toronto, Cincinnati, Portland and Philadelphia — was over the .500 mark entering Saturday.
South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) goes through warmups before kickoff, Sep. 20, 2025, at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri, as he prepares to face the Missouri Tigers in a key SEC matchup early in the college football season. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images.
On Saturday, we chronicled the Minnesota Vikings’ general manager search, Garrett Bradbury’s plight in Chicago, and new WR Dillon Bell. It’s time for the second batch of purple rumors for the week.
Minnesota’s rumor mill is already drifting toward 2027, familiar depth help, and one rookie cornerback.
Training camp gets cooking for the Vikings in less than three months; here’s where the rumors stand ahead of time.
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Three Names Are Already Floating around the Vikings’ Summer Radar
The Purple Rumor Mill for May 3rd, 2026.
South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers (16) throws passes during pregame warmups, Nov. 1, 2025, at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, as the Gamecocks prepared to face the Ole Miss Rebels with Sellers getting loose ahead of kickoff in an SEC road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images.
Rumor: LaNorris Sellers, a quarterback from South Carolina, has already been linked to the Vikings in next year’s draft.
Brendan Donahue of Sharp Football Analysis kickstarted the 2027 mock draft process this week, with the Vikings holding the 14th pick — so an 8-9 record or so in 2026.
He nominated Sellers to Minnesota and wrote, “The 2026 season feels like a make-or-break year for both the quarterbacks currently on the Vikings roster. I don’t think head coach Kevin O’Connell will hesitate to move on from either or both if they miss the playoffs again in 2026 and replace them with someone who seems to be more of his prototype at the position.”
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“Many scouts believe Sellers has as much upside as any quarterback at the college level if he can just put it all together.”
Norris looks the part the moment he steps on the field. At 6’3″ and 240 pounds, and running in the 4.5s, his physical gifts are immediately apparent, translating directly to his on-field performance. He boasts legitimate arm strength, allowing him to launch the deep ball, and can break the pocket to create plays much like the nation’s top scramblers. Clearly, there’s significant talent to develop.
However, his concerns are equally evident. He tends to hold the ball too long, leading to sacks, and struggles with ball security. Furthermore, his accuracy noticeably declined in 2025.
Ultimately, Norris is a quarterback with rare physical tools, but he also exhibits significant areas for improvement and inconsistency.
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Of course, if Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy are the real deal, the Vikings won’t need a quarterback in 2027. Simple as that.
Rumor: If the Vikings want Cam Akers back, he’s available.
Akers’s short stint with the Seattle Seahawks is kaput. Seattle Times’s Bob Conodotta wrote Monday, “The Seahawks released veteran running back Cam Akers on Monday in the wake of selecting Jadarian Price in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday. Akers, a seven-year NFL veteran, signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad last November after an injury to George Holani.”
“He played in three regular-season games and in the NFC title game win over the Rams without getting a carry. He had two kickoff returns for 54 yards in a late-season win at Carolina. The release of Akers leaves the Seahawks with six running backs on the roster — Price, Zach Charbonnet, Holani, Kenny McIntosh, Jacardia Wright and free agent signee Emanuel Wilson.”
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Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers (27) crosses the goal line for a touchdown in the third quarter, Dec. 29, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the Vikings faced the Green Bay Packers in a late-season divisional game with Akers finishing a key scoring drive. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.
Akers will now hit the open market, with Minnesota obviously being a suitor for his services because they just love the man so much.
Is Akers required on the Vikings’ roster right now? Nope. But in 2023, 2024, and 2025, Akers didn’t really feel needed either at this time on the calendar, and he found his way back to the Vikings each time. Here’s the current RB setup in Minnesota after the draft:
RB1: Aaron Jones RB2: Jordan Mason RB3: Demond Claibonre RB4: Zavier Scott RB5: Kejon Owens
You can never rule out Akers for the O’Connell-led Vikings. He has O’Connell’s gridiron crush.
Rumor: CB Charles Demmings could be an undercover stud.
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Analyzing each team’s draft class, Brugler wrote Monday about Demmings, “Day 3 pick who could surprise: Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin. Aside from Demmings always being a great quote, he leaves everything he has on the field. With his cover athleticism and mental toughness, Demmings was a worthy bet in the fifth round, and he landed with a team that needed cornerback depth.”
Demmings joins the team as the fourth cornerback, behind Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre. His initial depth chart position, however, doesn’t preclude him from early playing time. Given Minnesota’s history of rotating corners and Demmings’ promising traits, he has a clear path to snaps by September if circumstances align favorably.
Stephen F. Austin defensive back Chuck Demmings (DB07) speaks with reporters during media availability, Feb. 26, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, as part of the NFL Combine with prospects meeting teams and answering questions ahead of the upcoming draft. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images.
Physically, Demmings stands 6’1″ and weighs 195 pounds, boasting a 4.41-second 40-yard dash. His impressive length and vertical speed are evident, complemented by the excellent ball-tracking skills he demonstrated in college, where he recorded nine interceptions. Furthermore, his tackling significantly improved at Stephen F. Austin, making him a more complete player than he was earlier in his career.
Minnesota has struggled to develop drafted cornerbacks into long-term solutions since Xavier Rhodes. That challenging track record casts a shadow over every new addition to the position in the draft. Demmings now enters this historical context, equipped with the tools to compete. His performance will ultimately determine whether the pattern of past struggles continues or finally shifts.
Napoli and Como drew 0-0 in Serie A on Saturday in a result that did little to further either of their ambitions for this season. The draw will likely disappoint hosts Como the more as they now trail Juventus in the final Champions League spot by two points and the Old Lady can grow that advantage when they host Verona on Sunday. Second-placed Napoli know their Serie A title defence is over with leaders Inter Milan, now nine points clear, needing just a draw from their remaining four fixtures to win the league.
Inter can claim the Scudetto on Sunday with three games to spare when they play mid-table Parma at the San Siro.
Napoli coach Antonio Conte admitted Como had given them quite a challenge.
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“It was certainly a good performance, as without that you don’t emerge unscathed from a game where both Napoli and Como had a lot at stake,” Conte told DAZN.
“Como probably had more at stake with Champions League qualification.”
But after the stalemate, third-placed AC Milan can draw level with Napoli on 70 points should they win at Sassuolo on Sunday.
The first big chance came to Como inside the opening 10 minutes as Anastasios Douvikas managed to round Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, only for two defenders to scramble back and block his effort on the goal-line.
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At the other end Scott McTominay responded for Napoli with a towering leap at a corner on 18 minutes but his header went over with the Como ‘keeper Jean Butez lost in a melee.
Como’s Martin Baturina bent wide four mins later and then Milinkovic-Savic came out well to deny Assane Diao on a swift counter and the match went into half-time goalless.
Napoli appealed vainly for a penalty early in the second period, however, the referee adjudged Rasmus Hojlund had manufactured the contact close to the byline and chose not to point to the spot.
A deflected effort from just inside the box from Baturina then required a desperate claw away from the goal by a wrong-footed Milinkovic-Savic.
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McTominay passed up the best chance of the second period on 80 minutes after galloping onto a lofted through-ball but his steered finish nestled in the side netting.
Matteo Politano nearly won the match five minutes later with a spectacular curling effort from distance, which came back off the post with Butez well-beaten.
Elsewhere, Udinese climbed to 10th following a 2-0 win at home to Torino and seventh-placed Atalanta played out a goalless draw at home to Genoa.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has admitted that the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) most high-profile rivalry is not between the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) anymore. The two heavyweights produced a not-so-engaging encounter at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, on Saturday, May 2, after a comfortable eight-wicket win for the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side in the end.
The legendary sides, who have ten titles between them, and have faced each other in the finals four times, are nowhere near the top of the table. Referred to as the IPL’s El Clásico, drawing inspiration from the iconic rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, it has not been the same over the last few years.
Since 2023, MI have only managed to record one win over their rivals in seven matches. The majority of the contests have been one-sided, including both fixtures in IPL 2026, with CSK securing massive wins by 103 runs and eight wickets, away and home, respectively.
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Manoj Tiwary opined that the clashes between CSK and MI should no longer be referred to as the El Clásico, given the quality of the recent matches between the two sides, and their current state in general.
“Surya is not performing on a daily basis, Tilak Varma scored in one match, and now his runs are also not coming. If there is this level of inconsistency from the players, then how will you get results? We always talk about this match as the El Clásico, this is no more El Clásico; you can remove the Clásico word now. This has now become so one-sided. So, I think it would be wrong to say that this is an El Clásico rivalry now,” Manoj Tiwary said on Cricbuzz.
Overall, these two sides have faced each other 43 times, where MI have a slender advantage after recording 22 wins.
“There is now a belief that they can win matches without MS Dhoni” – Manoj Tiwary on CSK’s growing confidence after rough start to IPL 2026
CSK had endured a horror start to the campaign, losing each of their first three matches. After their last-placed finish in IPL 2025, there was a fear that the ongoing campaign could prove to be an extension, despite a massive mid-season revamp.
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However, the team has picked up some momentum in recent games, and have lost only two of their last six matches.
“The confidence is back now, especially when MS Dhoni is not there in the playing XI. There is now a belief that they can win matches without MS Dhoni. That was difficult at one time, but the confidence has now been built up. If they maintain this momentum, and play with this blueprint, play with this process, they have a good chance,” Manoj Tiwary said.
CSK, placed sixth and involved in the mid-table muddle, will next face the Delhi Capitals (DC), at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, on Tuesday, May 5.
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