Gym class heroes

The GIST: The Minnesota Lynx are your 2024 Commissioner’s Cup champs. They topped the NY Liberty 94–89 in last night’s fast-paced battle and will take home about $30K per player from the in-season tourney’s total $500K prize pool.

• Here’s how it went down, including some of the controversy surrounding the champ game.

A “road game” for both squads: Ahead of tipoff, league leaders Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart (both of the Libs) commented on the game being moved from Barclays Center (NY’s true home venue) to UBS Arena (which is about an hour away) due to tonight’s NBA Draft.

• The players admitted their “annoyance” and commented that it didn’t feel like a true home court advantage, as the shift prevented dedicated fans from attending.

Lynx claw back for comeback dub: Venue gripes and empty seats aside, this showdown between two of the league’s best squads was an absolute thriller. Led by Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty jumped out to a first half lead, but the Lynx capitalized on NY’s 21 (!!!) turnovers and Minnesota’s Bridget Carleton helmed the comeback with 23 points, including six threes.

• And when all was said and done, Napheesa Collier (21 points) was named Cup MVP, adding another $5K to her payday. Making it rain, on the court and all the way to the bank.

The GIST: Much to the delight of Ariana Grande and Chaminade College Preparatory School alums everywhere, the Florida Panthers topped the Edmonton Oilers 2–1 in Monday’s Game 7 to hoist their first-ever Stanley Cup. Here’s a breakdown, by the numbers:

3: The state of Florida has brought home three Stanley Cups in the last five years, with the Panthers joining the Tampa Bay Lightning, who won in 2020 and 2021. Beachy keen.

9.7M: The series-high viewership for Sunday’s Game 6, a number that will surely be smashed when complete Game 7 viewership stats are released.

31: Oh no, Canada — it’s now been 31 years since a team from the hockey-loving country last lifted Lord Stanley. So close, but so far.

42: As in 42 points, the total Edmonton star Connor McDavid had across his historic playoff run, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy (awarded to the MVP of the postseason), despite his team’s Game 7 L.

700: The number of regular-season games standout Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (who made 24 saves in Game 7) played before finally winning his elusive first Cup and likely cementing his place in the Hall of Fame. Well worth the wait.

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🛑 Stop your scroll! It’s time for a mental health break.

• Close your eyes and take five deep, slow breaths. In…and out.

• Think of three things you’re grateful for (this newsletter doesn’t count).

• Schedule some me-time — that could mean taking a hot girl walk or making an appointment with a licensed therapist.

BetterHelp has an exclusive 25% off discount for GISTers, making it easy and affordable to find professional mental health support that works for you. Get matched with a provider from the comfort of your own home, scratch “self-care” off your to-do list, then scroll on.

Can’t decide what to do this sunny season? How about an all-expenses-paid weekend trip for two to LA to watch both the LA Sparks and Angel City FC next month? Problem solved.

While rocking some sweet swag from our friends at Birdies, take in WNBA action when the Sparks host the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces on July 5th.

• Then catch Angel City vs. the reigning NWSL champs, NJ/NY Gotham FC, on July 6th. In addition to two premium tickets which include warm up field passes, the winners will also walk away with jerseys.

Be part of the women’s sports movement and enter to win today.