The GIST: The WNBA made last night a regular-season finale to remember, with multiple nailbiters and even more broken records capping off an already historic 2024 campaign. Here are the top takeaways before we enter playoff mode on Sunday.

Atlanta Dream clinch eighth and final playoff spot: The Dream had one job ahead of last night’s finale: upset the No. 1 NY Liberty. And they did just that, firing on all cylinders from the jump and topping NY’s starting lineup 78–67. What’s more, Tina Charles notched 10 points and 10 rebounds, making her the league’s new all-time leader in rebounds and double-doubles. Iconic.

• Atlanta’s dub eliminated the Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics, but the ’Stics made history in defeat, overpowering Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever 92–91 in front of the largest crowd in WNBA history.

Connecticut Sun claim the No. 3 seed: Marina Mabrey led the charge against her former team, scoring 12 points to help the Sun top the aforementioned Sky 87–54 and secure the No. 3 seed, a spot they were in danger of losing to the Las Vegas Aces. Up next: a first-round playoff series against the No. 6 Fever, who are making their first postseason appearance since 2016.

The postseason fun begins on Sunday: Count ’em — there are four games scheduled for Sunday’s playoff tip-off, so keep an eye on your inbox for a full Sunday Scroll preview. Just getting started.

The GIST: Believe it or not, the penultimate MLB regular-season weekend has arrived, with history being made and squads clinching playoff spots before the postseason swings into action on October 1st. Batter up!

LA Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani records first-ever 50/50 season: Entering the day with 49 stolen bases and 48 home runs, Ohtani stole two bases and blasted not one, not two, but three towering dingers in yesterday’s incredible 20–4 win over the Miami Marlins, making him the first player in MLB’s long history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.

• It’s rare a player has both the power and speed to achieve such lofty marks in both categories, nevermind the fact that Ohtani also pitches (and might even do it in the postseason as he continues his return to the mound following offseason elbow surgery).
• From breaking record after record on the field to inking the largest contract in North American pro sports history to being the best dog dad around, there’s truly only one Shohei Ohtani. How lucky are we to bear witness?

Four teams clinch playoff berths: That victory earned the Sho-Time Dodgers a spot in the 12-team postseason field, joining the Milwaukee Brewers, NY Yankees, and Cleveland Guardians, who all secured spots in the last 48 hours.

• The series to watch over the weekend? The Detroit Tigers vs. Baltimore Orioles, with both squads squarely in the hunt for an American League Wild Card spot. October baseball, you’re on deck.

NFL quarterbacks (QBs) have one of the hardest jobs in sports, working year round to memorize plays and perfect their passes. Playing pro football is a grind, but it’s easy peasy for fans to get in on the action by placing Pick’em entries with Underdog.

• There are only two choices in Pick’em — higher or lower — as in, will Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes throw higher or lower than 268.5 passing yards in Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons?
• Ready to place your entry? Download the Underdog app and use promo code GIST to claim your Free Pick and a First Time Deposit offer with up to $1,000 in bonus cash. Underdog(s) on top.

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How to play: Sign up for free, and we’ll remind you to lock in your picks before the playoffs start. It’s that easy!

The Taylor Swift economy has brought us so much, including the reclamation of the cat lady narrative. And what are empowered feline parents feeding their kitties? Smalls fresh cat food.

• Whether your cat is a Blue Russian, Maine Coon, or simply a kooky little guy, Smalls’ recipes are sure to satisfy because they’re packed with proper nutrition without any preservatives.
• Smalls offers first-time customers a 40% discount, by using code THEGIST20. Paws-itively purrfect.

⛳ LPGA: Kroger Queen City Championship — Ongoing through Sunday — Golf Channel

• World No. 56 South African Ashleigh Buhai leads the field after one round of play in the Buckeye State. But world No. 1 American Nelly Korda sits just two strokes back heading into today’s second round and can certainly work her way to the top.

🎓🏐 NCAA women’s volleyball: East Carolina vs. No. 1 Pittsburgh — Tonight at 7 p.m. ET — ACCNX

• The only thing hotter than the sun? The undefeated Panthers, who’ve yet to drop a set across seven games this season. Tune in to see if Pitt can serve up another straight set dub, just one of many epic college volleyball matchups this weekend.

⚽ NWSL: Washington Spirit vs. Kansas City Current — Tonight at 8 p.m. ET — Amazon Prime

• Star forwards Trinity Rodman (Washington) and Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City) lead the league in scoring and assists, so expect fireworks as they battle it out on the pitch. Goal-orious.

🎓🏈 NCAA football: No. 11 USC vs. No. 18 Michigan — Tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. ET — CBS

• The Trojans and Wolverines meet in the regular season for the first time since 1958, and a lot has changed since. Now back in the same conference, defending champs Michigan face a tough test in protecting the Big House against the undefeated Trojans.

Racing in the 2025 Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix from May 2nd to 4th. Lock in some warm weather plans to watch Hamilton in his first race as Mr. Ferrari by securing your tickets before they sell out.*

This article about revered basketball reporter Adrian Wojnarowski, who fittingly dropped one last “Woj bomb” on Wednesday, announcing that he’s retiring from ESPN to take the men’s basketball general manager job at his alma mater, St. Bonaventure.

Above the Noise: My Story of Chasing Calm. NBA star DeMar DeRozan opens up about his journey with depression in this powerful memoir of resilience, courage, and love.

*P.S. This is a sponsored post. Vroom vroom.