The GIST: While the 2025 debutante Golden State Valkyries fantasize about the December 6th expansion draft, the four remaining semis squads are locked in on the here and now with last night’s thrilling Game 2s done and dusted.

No. 1 NY Liberty take commanding 2-0 lead over No. 4 Las Vegas Aces: It took a true team effort to secure the Libs’ feisty 88–84 victory over the Aces, with four players scoring in double-digits, including 24 points from Sabrina Ionescu and 12 off the bench from veteran Courtney Vandersloot.

• Though Jackie Young (17 points) stepped up for Sin City, Vegas struggled against NY’s defense, especially with 2021 MVP Jonquel Jones guarding 2024 MVP A’ja Wilson.
• Not to mention, Vegas could be without their own defensive specialist, Kiah Stokes, in Friday’s Game 3 after she suffered a potential concussion last night.
• The Aces have their backs against the wall, but if the two-time defending champs know anything, it’s how to step up when the going gets tough, especially on home court.

No. 2 Minnesota Lynx surge back, even series against No. 3 Connecticut Sun: The Lynx doubled down on defense and satisfied a raucous home crowd last night, extinguishing the Sun 77–70. Napheesa Collier was one point shy of a double-double, but it was Minnesota’s supporting cast who stole the show, highlighted by Courtney Williams’ team-high 17 points. Teamwork, dream work, indeed.

• As for Connecticut, they fought back in the fourth quarter but couldn’t find their shooting rhythm despite strong outings from DeWanna Bonner (who’s now third all-time in playoff points) and Alyssa “does it all” Thomas.
• The tightly-contested best-of-five battle will now shift to Connecticut — and if last night is any indication, this spicy series seems destined to go the distance.

The GIST: And they’re off! The MLB playoffs opened with a thrilling quadruple-header yesterday, featuring lights-out pitching and a whole host of underdog victories. Here’s the latest from the American League (AL) and National League (NL) action before the best-of-three series continue today and our bracket challenge closes this afternoon.

AL No. 6 Detroit Tigers survive ninth-inning comeback from the No. 3 Houston Astros: The ’Stros nearly pulled it off, but pitcher Tarik Skubal (six scoreless innings) and the Tigers silenced Houston’s hot bats, winning 3–1 yesterday. Can the Astros extend the series, or will Detroit vroom straight to the next round? Find out today at 2:32 p.m. ET.

AL No. 5 Kansas City Royals need just one run to down No. 4 Baltimore Orioles: Pitching enthusiasts, rejoice — both starters (KC’s Cole Ragans and Baltimore’s Corbin Burnes) impressed, but Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.’s sixth-inning RBI single was the difference-maker in yesterday’s 1–0 KC win. Watch for both top-10 offenses to bring the bats at 4:38 p.m. ET today.

NL No. 6 NY Mets use five-run fifth inning to top No. 3 Milwaukee Brewers: No rest, no problem for the Mets, who, after squeaking into the playoffs on the very last day of the regular season on Monday, kept the good times rolling in a 8–4 win over the Brew Crew. See if the Kings of Queens can induce more “OMG” moments today at 7:38 p.m. ET.

NL No. 4 San Diego Padres blank No. 5 Atlanta Braves: Padres right fielder Fernando Tatís Jr. blasted a two-run home run in the first inning and the Dads never looked back, winning 4–0 yesterday. Lucky for Atlanta, they’ll counter with postseason veteran Max Fried for tonight’s must-win 8:38 p.m. ET Game 2. No pressure.

🎓⚽ NCAA women’s soccer: No. 6 Florida State vs. No. 4 Wake Forest — Tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET — Apple TV+

• One of two ranked soccer matchups tomorrow, Florida State hasn’t lost since December 2022. Will FSU continue their reign of pitch dominance or can the surging Demon Deacons snag a statement win?

🏐 AU women’s volleyball: Team Hentz vs. Team Valentin-Anderson — Tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET — ESPN+

• The fourth annual season of this innovative, athlete-forward league begins with tomorrow’s doubleheader. Catch up on all the deets, then grab the syrup — these gals are ready to serve.

🏈 NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons — Tomorrow at 8:15 p.m. ET — Amazon Prime

• Rumor has it the Bucs are having more fun, and it’s certainly paying off: Tampa sits atop the NFC South ahead of this Thursday Night Football tussle. Don’t count out the Dirty Birds, though — Falcons QB Kirk Cousins’ music taste chemistry with his new squad is evolving.

NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo, who passed away Monday at the age of 58. From his iconic finger wag to his off-court philanthropy, both the basketball community and sports world at large are better off because of the Hall of Famer.

Sha'Carri Richardson. The 2024 Olympic gold medalist sprinter’s home track in Dallas, Texas, now bears her name. Hometown hero, indeed.

Unrivaled by Ashlyn Kane and Morgan James. Who knew love could be so icy? Read with The GIST Book Club on Fable today.