By all means move at a glacial pace
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
Giddy up!
Pour yourself a mint julep because the 150th Kentucky Derby — the most exciting two minutes in sports — races into action tomorrow. Before you start searching for your fascinator and planning your ’fit, let’s gallop into today’s news.
— 2016 WNBA MVP and one of the Seattle Storm’s major offseason signings Nneka Ogwumike, commenting on the franchise’s elite new training facility, one of just two dedicated solely to a WNBA team. Game-changing.
NBA Playoffs
🏀 Smells like team spirit
The GIST: The first round of the NBA Playoffs is nearly done, but the drama isn’t letting up yet even as the first conference semis tip off. Love that basketball.
NY Knicks Jalen Brunson proves he’s postseason clutch: After his team forfeited a 24-point first quarter lead, NY’s Brunson (41 points) dug deep to help his team win 118–115 last night, ending the chaotic series in six and clinching back-to-back second round appearances for the ’Bockers. The resilient New Yorkers will next face the Indiana Pacers.
Indiana Pacers seal the deal in six: Speaking of, despite injured Milwaukee Buck Damian Lillard’s return, Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers outshined the still Giannis Antetokounmpo–less squad last night, meshing for a teamwork-driven 120–98 win that clinched Indy their first Eastern Conference semis spot (and playoff series dub) since 2014.
Tonight’s Game 6s: And the round one fun isn’t over yet. Tune in at 7 p.m. ET to see if the Cleveland Cavaliers (leading 3-2) can put the pesky Orlando Magic away once and for all, while the Dallas Mavericks (up 3-2) push for one more W to eliminate the ailing LA Clippers at 9 p.m. ET. All hoops, all the time.
🏒 Toronto Maple Leafs force Game 7 vs. archrival Boston Bruins as Stanley Cup Playoffs continue
The Buds did their best Houdini impression, escaping from a two-game series deficit and earning a 2–1 Game 6 win against their nemesis last night. The W sets up every sports fan's dream: Game 7, back in Boston tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET.
- As for the other first round series, both the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars (up 3-2) have a chance to punch second round tickets when the puck drops on their respective Game 6s vs. the Nashville Predators and defending champ Vegas Golden Knights tonight.
🥅 Two playoff spots still up for grabs entering PWHL regular-season finale weekend
Minnesota, Ottawa, and Boston, all within three points of each other, are in contention for the two remaining playoff spots, looking to join Toronto, who secured the No. 1 seed on Wednesday, and No. 2 Montréal. Minny (35 points) has the first shot and can clinch that elusive berth with a win or overtime loss vs. already eliminated New York tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET.
- Boston (32 points) is next up, taking on Montréal tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. ET. But a regulation win doesn’t guarantee Beantown a berth; Ottawa (32 points) owns the tiebreaker and could lock in the fourth and final playoff spot when they face Toronto, Sunday at 7 p.m. ET. Icy and spicy.
⚽ Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion Kelley O’Hara to retire at the end of 2024 season
The NJ/NY Gotham FC and USWNT defender will step away from the women’s game at the end of the 2024 NWSL season. A relentless competitor, O’Hara’s glittering 14-year pro career includes two World Cup trophies, two NWSL championships, and one shiny Olympic gold. Smile because it happened, and because we can still watch her finish out the NWSL campaign.
Together With The GIST
👕 Did somebody say…slay?
Looking for the perfect piece to update your wardrobe? You’ve come to the right place. Our GIST capsule collection has something for everyone.
If you want to make a statement: Try our bold and bright “Leveling the Playing Field” hoodie.
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If you have too much to carry: Grab a GIST tote to go hands free.
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🎾 Madrid Open: No. 1 Iga Świątek vs. No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka — Tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. ET — Tennis Channel
- Defending Madrid champ Świątek cruised in yesterday’s semi while Sabalenka needed a tiebreaker to set up a rematch of last year’s thrilling three-set final. Do you get déjà vu?
🎓🥍 NCAA women’s lacrosse: No. 2 seed Penn State vs. No. 1 seed Northwestern — Tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. ET — Big Ten Network
- Sunday’s national championship selection show is looming, but all eyes are on defending champ Northwestern star Izzy Scane, who’s just five goals away from becoming the all-time NCAA leading scorer. Records are meant to be broken, right?
⚽ NWSL: Portland Thorns vs. Washington Spirit — Tomorrow at 10 p.m. ET — ion
- USWNT standouts and besties Sophia Smith (Portland) and Trinity Rodman (Washington) will find themselves on opposite sides of the pitch in this clash of NWSL title contenders.
🏎️ F1: Miami Grand Prix — Sunday at 4 p.m. ET — ABC
- Red alert: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are apparently driving to Miami in their getaway car, with Kansas City Chief besties and fellow team Alpine investors Patrick and Brittany Mahomes.
- Hope Taylor’s presence doesn’t cause Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso to steer straight into a ditch.
Together With Lelo
Looking to make your self-care routine a little more satisfying? When it comes to wellness, maintaining your sexual health is just as important as hitting the gym or perfecting your skin care steps. That’s where LELO’s Sona 2 Cruise comes in.
- The pleasure experts have truly outdone themselves with their best-selling clitoral vibrator, which uses sonic pulses for a one-of-a-kind sensation and features 12 different intensity settings to help you take control of your “me time.”
- What’s more, when you subscribe to LELO’s mailing list, you’ll be entered for a chance to score some big discounts or even one of their luxury toys for free. Yes, please.
Here’s what has GIST HQ buzzing:
🍻 Where to watch the game
Soon enough, your local The Sports Bra location. The first-of-its-kind women’s sports bar in Portland, Oregon, just announced plans to franchise nationally. Cheers to that.
🏇 What to read
This article about the changes at this year’s Kentucky Derby, following an investigation into the death of 12 horses in the days surrounding last year’s race. Much needed.
🌭 Where to eat
A Premier League match. Bachelor stars and social media foodies Matt James and Rachel Kirkconnell had themselves a feast at a recent Arsenal vs. Chelsea game.
Question of the Day
With the WNBA season start just 11 days away, we want to know: Which team did Media Day best? Cast your vote below or reply to this email with your top pick.
On Wednesday, we asked which May sporting event you are most looking forward to. 42% voted for WNBA season start, 23% voted for NBA/NHL playoffs, 19% voted for PWHL playoffs, and 16% voted for the French Open.Today’s email was brought to you by Lauren Tuiskula, Alessandra Puccio, Marga Sison, Lisa Minutillo, and Briana Ekanem. Editing by Laura Pastore, Janine Kiefer, Emma Leishman, Rachel Fuenzalida, and Lindsay Jost. Fact-checking by Parul Kanwar. Ops by Briana Ekanem and Marga Sison. Ads by Katie Kehoe Foster, Alexis Allison, and Dee Lab. Managing edits by Lauren Tuiskula. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.