The GIST - The ultimate slam dunk

Get your popcorn ready ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
The GIST
#616 17.8.2022

Happy Wednesday!

And more importantly, happy WNBA playoffs tip-off day. Keep an eye on your inbox this afternoon for a special edition newsletter celebrating the occasion.

  • Another way to celebrate? By entering to win a $500 Under Armour gift card — each person you refer to The GIST between now and midnight counts as an entry. Get your share on, then let’s jump into today’s news.
Share

Quote of the Day

It’s an honor to be recognized as the best in the league. Since I started in the WNBA in 2016, just trying to get better. Elevate myself and the team, the league as a whole. A big honor, but we’re motivated by more and that’s trying to win a championship.

— Seattle Storm star Breanna Stewart, who was named AP WNBA Player of the Year yesterday, making her the first two-time recipient of the honor. Impressive, and now the two-time champ will be looking to add even more to her trophy case.

Waving Seattle Storm GIF By WNBA
Source: Giphy.com

🎾 Tennis: A (literal) battle for the ages

Emma Raducanu of Great Britain shakes hands with Serena Williams of the United States
Source: Frey/TPN/Getty Images

The GIST: While the countdown to this month’s US Open (the final major of the season and likely the last of Serena Williams’ career) is on, the stars are serving up some upsets at the Western & Southern Open in Ohio. Somebody call Drake.

Women’s: In last night’s rare blockbuster Round of 64 matchup, defending US Open champ No. 10 Emma Raducanu reigned supreme, taking down Serena in straight sets — Williams’ second early exit since announcing her plans for retirement earlier this month.

  • The 40-year-old gave teen sensation Raducanu a run for her money in the first set (6-4) but struggled to keep up in the second, falling 6-0. *sniffs*
  • Some other top contenders were also stunningly eliminated in the first round, with fan-favorite Naomi Osaka, No. 11 Coco Gauff and last year’s US Open runner-up No. 13 Leylah Fernandez bounced in straight sets. You hate to see it.

Men’s: Meanwhile, things are just heating up in the men’s draw. After receiving a bye in the first round, No. 2 Rafael Nadal joins the party today as he takes on Borna Coric in the Round of 32. Elsewhere, defending US Open champ and world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev is already through to the Round of 16 after taking down Botic van de Zandschulp last night.

  • As for Novak Djokovic? He’s a no-show due to the tourney’s vaccine mandate but could still be in contention to play at the US Open as the States continue to roll back COVID-19 restrictions. Not this sh!t again.

⚾️ Baseball: The kids are alright

Little league team posing for photo
Source: littleleague.org

The GIST: Summer’s in full swing on the diamond where Texas claimed the Little League World Series (LLWS) Softball title on Monday. Now, baseball’s stepping up to the plate with the LLWS getting underway today. Batter up!

The format: The LLWS brings 10 U.S. and 10 international squads of 10- to 12-year-old All-Stars to Williamsport, PA, for a week and a half of competition unlike any other. Those squads are divided into one double-elimination U.S. bracket and one double-elimination international bracket, with the winners of each side squaring off in a winner-take-all final.

The favorites: Keep an eye on Chinese Taipei, who will look to add to their international record of 17 LLWS titles. Another top contender? Japan, who’s in the hunt for their 12th trophy.

  • As for the U.S. squads, Hawaii, the 2018 champs, are saying aloha to the tourney once again. But our favorite team has to be Utah, featuring Falynn Randall, who will be the 21st girl to play in Williamsport. Play ball, baby.

📺 Mid-week watching

Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs
Source: Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Golf: BMW Championship — Tomorrow through Sunday — ESPN+

  • American Will Zalatoris aims to make it two wins in a row when the PGA Championship action continues in Wilmington, Delaware. In his way? The strong Scottie Scheffler and storied pro Rory McIlroy.

🤸 U.S. Gymnastics Championships — Tomorrow through Sunday — NBC Sports

  • Olympians Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles headline the four-day competition to select the women’s and men’s squads ahead of October’s world championships. So flippin’ excited.

🏈 NFL: Chicago Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks — Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET — ESPN

  • Pull out your jersey and eye black — Thursday Night Football preseason action features a thrilling battle of two squads with major quarterback questions. Intriguing.

The GIST's Picks

🎧 What to listen to:

The 200th (!!!) episode of The GIST of It podcast. Before our special edition hits your inbox this afternoon, tune in as Ellen Hyslop and guest host Lauren Tuiskula take you through a fun, in-depth breakdown of the WNBA playoffs. It’s almost tip-off time.

🏒 What to check out:

Team USA’s IIHF Women’s Worlds roster, featuring Hilary Knight, who’s making her USA Hockey record 12th appearance on the list. Talk about longevity.

🏀 Who’s making change:

The NBA. They announced yesterday that teams will not play any games on November 8th, instead encouraging fans to vote in the nation’s critical midterm elections. The ultimate slam dunk.

📧 What to sign up for:

TheFutureParty, a free, daily newsletter that keeps you up to date on the trends in business, entertainment and culture. From stories on how quarterback Tom Brady’s new broadcasting career is a sign of more lucrative opportunities for retiring athletes to the decline of binge-watching content — you can stay in the know by subscribing here.

Share The GIST, Win Free Stuff

We know (okay hope) you love The GIST and want to share it with all of the people in your life. And, we want to reward you for it. Here’s how to share:

Step 1: Check out the sweet GIST rewards here

Step 2: Click the "Share The GIST" button below (or use your unique referral link below) to share

Step 3: Share The GIST with people like your friends, co-workers and family

Step 4: Join the community, get hooked up with swag, and repeat

GIST referral gif
Subscribe

Your Unique Referral Code Is
https://thegistsports.com/subscribe?referralCode=2iOT19L&refSource=copy

Older messages

The audacity

Monday, August 15, 2022

Sorry doesn't cut it ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Sunday Scroll: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Play ball ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

What does the GOAT say?

Friday, August 12, 2022

We love mess ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Sunday Scroll: Get your game on, go play

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Everything you need to know about the WNBA All-Star game ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

London calling

Friday, July 8, 2022

Chess not checkers... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

You Might Also Like

Did Steve Kerr save the NBA from the foul grifters?

Monday, March 18, 2024

A new proposition after the league office comes out strongly against the Midseason Officiating Switch Conspiracy Theory. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Open for Madness 🏀

Monday, March 18, 2024

First Look at March Madness. Scheffler's TPC Comeback. QB Carousel. Buzzer-Beaters & More... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

On the NBA midseason officiating shift conspiracy theory

Friday, March 15, 2024

Let's put this all into context and explore alternate explanations. ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏

⌛️ Tick Tock, Bracket Clock

Friday, March 15, 2024

Selection Sunday Countdown. Rory's Round 1 at TPC. NFL Dealmakers & A Weekend of Sports... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

The Matchday Preview

Friday, March 15, 2024

All season long premium subscribers will receive exclusive previews for the upcoming round of Bundesliga fixtures. Today, game week 26 kicks off! ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌

Island Getaway ⛳️

Friday, March 15, 2024

The Players Championship Tee Times. NBA Playoff Outlook. Champions League Last 8 & More... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

When a hero comes along: The Wolves' recipe for success

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The Wolves have the hero ball formula in place. That could work for Anthony Edwards. ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌

The Prelude to Madness 🏀

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

College Basketball Conference Tourneys. 2nd Wave of Free Agency. Champions League & More... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

All-NBA voting is going to be one long, weird MVP ballot

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Without positions, organizing principles around All-NBA ballots will be interesting. ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌ ͏ ‌

Free Agency Fireworks 💥

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Cousins to ATL, Saquon to PHI, Jacobs to GB & Burns to NYG in Wild Kickoff to NFL FA Week... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌