It all comes down to this…maybe
From The GIST (hi@thegistsports.com)
Hey there!
The countdown to the official start of summer continues (just three more days!), but bachelorette and bachelor party season is already in full swing — including for hockey legends Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey, who celebrated in true GIST fashion over the weekend…literally. Here’s to an equally iconic week ahead.
— Las Vegas Aces star and reigning WNBA Finals MVP A’ja Wilson, fighting through tears while discussing her leadership style. The defending champs are in the midst of an uncharacteristic slump, but their fearless leader is taking accountability from the very top.
NBA Finals
🏀 Pack up the brooms
The GIST: And just like that, the NBA Finals are no longer destined for the broom closet — the Dallas Mavericks staved off a sweep by the Boston Celtics (now up 3-1), routing the Cs 122–84 in Friday’s Game 4. These balls just keep bouncing.
Mavs’ Luka Dončić dominates Game 4: After a chorus of criticism following his distracted Game 3 performance, Dončić kept his focus on the hardwood rather than the refs in Game 4, pouring in 29 points, forcing turnovers, and working in offensive tandem with his other half, Kyrie Irving (21 points).
- And while the Dončić-Irving duo danced the night away, Boston’s twosome — Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown — were held to 15 and 10 points, respectively, aka their worst performances of the series thus far.
Celtics have a chance to clinch 18th franchise championship in Boston tonight: Just one win away from their first title since 2008, the Cs failed to meet the moment in Game 4, struggling to score (they shot a mere 36.2%, the worst-ever performance in NBA Finals history) and looking unusually shaky on defense.
- But the last time Boston lost two consecutive games was April 11th — nearly two months and 20 games ago. Let’s see what they can do with a chance to hang that elusive NBA record 18th banner on their home floor tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Stanley Cup Final
🏒 Get in the action, feel the attraction
The GIST: Okay, so the Edmonton Oilers scored eight goals? That did impress the queen of country pop… and helped the Oils avoid being swept by the Florida Panthers (now up 3-1). The Oils are showing signs of life with an 8–1 Saturday Game 4 rout under their belts, but now this series is heading back to Sunrise…
Connor McDavid scores first Stanley Cup Final goal: Edmonton’s captain and superstar notched his first career final goal in the second period, shortly before breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record for most assists in a single postseason with 32.
- McDavid wowed, but this was a full team effort — Dylan Holloway scored twice and Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman each notched two assists, which forced Florida to pull their previously lights-out goalie Sergei Bobrovsky in the second period. Talk about a turnaround.
Florida can close out the series at home tonight: Lucky for the Panthers, they still have nine lives another chance to hoist Lord Stanley for the very first time and they can do it in front of their home crowd.
- The Cats are 8-3 in Amerant Bank Arena this postseason, and if they can repeat their Games 1 and 2 performances, history just might unfold when the Game 5 puck drops tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET.
Together With CPKC Women's Open
🎉 Girls just wanna have fun
There’s no reason to let the dads and Chads have all the fun — golf is gaining popularity with women across the country. It’s a great sport to play and to follow, especially when you can take in the action IRL.
- Not sure where to start with your newfound fandom? We suggest the CPKC Women’s Open.
Just ask The GIST’s co-founder, Jacie deHoop, who attended last year’s tournament:
- “The CPKC Women’s Open was so fun! The vibes were high, and everyone was cheering for hometown hero Brooke Henderson. I don’t golf, but being that close to the best golfers in the world, I could really appreciate how amazing they are.”
Whether you’re looking to get into the game or just to enjoy an incredibly cool, world-class event in the summer sunshine, the LPGA’s only Canadian stop is the place to be from July 23rd to July 28th. Buy your tickets now.
⚽ Danish captain Christian Eriksen makes triumphant return to the men’s Euro
Eriksen scored his team’s lone goal in world No. 21 Denmark’s tourney-opening 1–1 draw with No. 57 Slovenia yesterday, an incredible feat that came three years after he collapsed on the pitch and nearly lost his life to cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
- In other Euro group stage headlines, No. 66 Albania scored the fastest goal in tourney history on Saturday, but lost 2–1 to No. 9 Italy, while standout midfielder Jude Bellingham scored the only goal in No. 4 England’s 1–0 dub over No. 33 Serbia yesterday.
⛳ Bryson DeChambeau wins his second men’s U.S. Open, Lilia Vu secures first victory of the season
The fan favorite LIV golfer survived the hills and slopes of Pinehurst No. 2 (and benefitted from a world No. 2 Rory McIlroy collapse) to claim his second career U.S. Open title yesterday, 25 years after his hero Payne Stewart won it on the same course. Kismet.
- And the drama extended to LPGA action, where world No. 2 Lilia Vu (who had been sidelined with a back injury since March) overcame an eight-stroke deficit to win yesterday’s Meijer LPGA Classic on the third playoff hole, beating out fellow American Lexi Thompson and Australia’s Grace Kim.
🎾 Bianca Andreescu reaches final in Wimbledon tuneup
Mississauga’s own celebrated her 24th birthday in style, reaching the Libema Open final yesterday. And although she fell in three sets, it was still celebration worthy, considering Libema was Andreescu’s second tournament back after missing nearly 10 months with a back injury. With Wimbledon looming next month, the former world No. 4 appears to be back like she never left.
Together With PGA of Canada
Looking for maximum chill this summer? Or do you want to rev up your competitive side? Either way, golf is this summer’s next hot girl hobby. It’s as relaxing or as intense as you want it to be, and the perfect way to spend a day outside with friends.
Not sure where to start? Take a lesson from a PGA–certified coach, aka a “pro.” Whether you’re a seasoned vet or completely new to the sport, they’ll boost your confidence in one session.
- The proof is in the
puddingputting: There’s never been a better time to make golf your new obsession, especially with the guidance of a seasoned pro. Find one nearby, and you’ll be tearing up the tee box in no time.
Hi. It’s us. We’re the recommenders, it’s us.
🧠 How to get your head in the game
With expert guidance from a BetterHelp therapist. Use code thegist for 25% off your first month — personalized mental health care is just around the corner. Sing it, Troy.*
👟 What to wear
Oofos. Designed for distance runners, the recovery footwear is perfect for all types of foot pain. A total game-changer.
⚾ What to read
This interview with comedian Marcello Hernández, who talks SNL, why "baseball is so sick,” and his work with MLB to celebrate Latino culture.
*P.S. This is a sponsored post. Health is wealth.Take Your Pick
It all comes down to this…maybe. Will the Boston Celtics raise their league-record 18th championship banner tonight or will the Dallas Mavericks force a Game 6 back in the big D? Chime in with your winner of tonight’s NBA Finals Game 5.
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 Mikaela Perez. Ops by Lisa Minutillo and Marga Sison. Ads by Katie Kehoe Foster, Alessandra Puccio, Alexis Allison, and Dee Lab. Managing edits by Lauren Tuiskula. Head of content Ellen Hyslop.