The GIST - Cats, chemistry, camaraderie, character

Jumpin’ jumpin’ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Sports News
From The GIST Team

Hi!

New month, same skyrocketing women’s sports viewership — Sunday’s WNBA semifinal between the No. 1 NY Liberty and No. 4 Las Vegas Aces was the league’s most-viewed semi in 22 years.

  • Looking for more info on the business of women’s sports? Subscribe to our three-times weekly sports biz newsletter, or share it with a friend if you’re already subscribed. Click that link, then let’s get down to, well, business.
Quote of The Day
Quote I just gave the game ball to somebody else, so I feel awful right now.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on.

— Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell, laughing after learning that quarterback (QB) Jared Goff was literally perfect in his team’s 42–29 Monday Night Football win over the previously undefeated Seattle Seahawks, with the Lions QB completing 18 of his 18 passes. Whoops.

The Latest
WNBA semifinals

🏀 She shoots, she scores

Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty celebrates a turnover in the first half of Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals.
Source: Elsa/Getty Images

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.
MLB playoffs

⚾ Knock it out of the park

San Diego Padre Fernando Tatís Jr. celebrates after hitting a home run
Source: MLB/X

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.

Quick Hits

🔄 Gonzaga to join revamped Pac-12 conference amid NCAA conference realignment carousel

The basketball powerhouse from Spokane, Washington, is set to leave the West Coast Conference and officially join the Pac-12 in July 2026, the Pac announced yesterday. The Pac-12 lost the majority of its long-time members due to conference realignment, but has since added six new schools.

🏈 San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey remains sidelined, Las Vegas Raider Davante Adams requests trade

The reigning Offensive Player of the Year — who has yet to play a snap this season — was diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis in both of his legs and has traveled to Germany to see a specialist. The Niners moved McCaffrey to injured reserve after Week 1, meaning he’s out until at least Week 6, but there’s no official timeline for his return.

  • Meanwhile, the rumor mill is swirling after All-Pro Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams requested a trade yesterday. Is a reunion with NY Jets QB Aaron Rodgers on the horizon, or will another contender make moves to bolster their roster? Watch this space.

🏒 PWHL announces training camp start dates

Mark your calendar: The league announced yesterday that the six newly-named squads will begin training camp on November 12th in Toronto and Montréal, with preseason scrimmages taking place November 19th through 22nd. The season start and regular-season schedule are still TBD — can’t wait.

⚽ Houston Dash part ways with head coach Fran Alonso

After an injury-related leave of absence that kept Alonso away from the club since the end of June, the last-in-the-NWSL Dash and the Spaniard parted ways yesterday. Assistant coach Ricky Clarke will take over through the end of the season, at which point Houston will begin a search for their 10th head coach in the last 11 years. Holler if you know anyone.

Mid-Week Watching
FSU freshman forward Taylor Suarez strikes the ball during a game.
Source: seminoles.com

🎓⚽ 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.
The GIST's Picks

Peep our squad’s MVPs (Most Valuable Picks):

💔 Who to remember

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.

🏃‍♀️ Who to celebrate

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

📚 What to read

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

Fun & Games

Question of the Day

With the WNBA semi-finalist teams hopping on planes ahead of Friday’s Game 3s, we want to know: how often do you travel? Soarin’, flyin’.

Older messages

Special Edition: New month, new playoffs

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Diamonds really are a girl's best friend ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

⚾ Introducing The GIST’s MLB Bracket Challenge

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

The GIST Leveling The Playing Field The GIST's MLB Bracket Challenge Hello, you! We're thrilled to announce The GIST's Major League Baseball Bracket Challenge! Following the excitement of

It’s giving spicy on the Scoville scale

Friday, September 27, 2024

A sushi state of mind ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

You’re one in a million 💃

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Thank you for helping us reach 1M subscribers! We couldn't have done it without you. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

“Everyone — everyone watches women’s sports”

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Mic drop ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

You Might Also Like

Liverpool Without Jurgen Klopp: Still Pretty Good!

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

I wrote about Liverpool, who A) are no longer coached by Jurgen Klopp, B) have conceded two goals in seven games, and C) have played one of the easiest schedules in the Premier League: ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Celebrating 1 Million Subscribers with a Limited Edition “Bet on Women” Collection!

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Pre-order yours for 18% off! ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Champ Streak & MLB Four-Square

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Chiefs Stay Perfect, Extend Streak to 11. Royals & Tigers Get Even in ALDS & Much More... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Overthinking the Celtics

Monday, October 7, 2024

On the weight of seeming invincibility. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Good grief

Monday, October 7, 2024

Rally pumpkins at the ready ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

MLB Playoffs, CFB Chaos & NFL Week 5

Monday, October 7, 2024

Padres & Phillies Even NLDS. Vandy's Big Upset. Week 5's Top 5. WNBA, NHL, Soccer & More... ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Sunday Scroll: Hello out there, we’re on the air

Sunday, October 6, 2024

NHL 101 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Rodri Vs. Pep Guardiola: Who Ya' Got?

Friday, October 4, 2024

Sorry for the lack of a newsletter last week and earlier this week and later the week before last. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Why the Thunder will roll for a while

Friday, October 4, 2024

The books are organized to let the Shai-era Thunder compete for multiple years -- maybe the rest of the decade. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Cause girls is players too

Friday, October 4, 2024

Icons only ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌