The LeJawn James era

The GIST: The best-of-seven WNBA Finals is knotted at one after the Atlanta Dream topped the Golden State Valkyries 79–65 in Monday’s Game 2, the franchise’s first-ever Finals win. Let’s take stock of the top storylines as the series shifts to Atlanta for tonight’s 8 p.m. ET Game 3.

🪣 Angel Reese is that girl for the Dream: Always a defensive juggernaut, this Barbie has elevated her offense since arriving in the W, becoming more efficient (she shot 62.5% in Game 2) and adding a three-point shot to her repertoire. At age 24, she’s the youngest player in league history to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a Finals game. What, like it’s hard?

• Reese was unequivocally the difference maker in Game 2, outproducing Valkyries standout Gabby Williams. It was an uncharacteristic off night for Williams, who posted a dismal 20% shooting percentage from the floor. Defense wins championships — but so do superstars.

📋 Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase’s Game 3 outlook: Nakase’s brilliant halftime adjustments silenced Reese in the second half of Game 1, so what’s up her sleeve ahead of Game 3? TBD — but she pointed to two key improvements Golden State must make: limiting turnovers (the Valks had a season-high 18 in Game 2) and effort.

🏠 Dream steal home-court advantage: Ballhalla had been a haven for the Valkyries…until Game 2, where Golden State lost at Chase Center for the first time this postseason. Now, the edge goes to Atlanta, who host the next two tilts at State Farm Arena. Not only does the venue house a Finals-worthy 17K fans, the Dream are also a perfect 3-0 there in the 2026 playoffs.

🏈 You have opinions, why not put them to work? In partnership with the NFL, our free-to-play Weekly Pick’ems game is your chance to call the winners, compete with fellow GISTers, and vie for season-long prizes.

• Just ask our Week 3 winner, John, who quipped "I guess not thinking too hard as a strategy worked!" Enough said.

💌 Consider this your official invite. Nothing to lose, lots to learn, and a whole NFL community to gain. May the Hail Marys be ever in your favor.

🏀 Level the playing field and look good doing it. From the court to the concourse to your everyday errands, rep your love of women’s sports with gear from The GIST’s merch shop.

🍂 Our pick for fall:

• The Crewneck: It’s sweater weather, which means you’re officially allowed to live in your cozies again. Easily dress it up with a classic, crisp collar or throw it on with your fave sweatpants while you watch your team from the couch.

Shop this iconic piece and so much more from The GIST.

🏒 NHL: Florida Panthers vs. Ottawa Senators — Tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET — ESPN+

• The tea is piping hot as Panthers forward Brady Tkachuk returns to Ottawa, the same city he swore he was “fully committed to” before forcing a trade to Florida. Tkachuk’s already made history in his new home, but expect the resurgent Sens to send a very loud reality check.

⛳ LPGA: BMW Ladies Championship — Tomorrow through Sunday — Golf Channel

• Defending champ world No. 9 Sei Young Kim has her eyes on the winner’s share of the $2.35M purse after dominating the 2025 event. A repeat performance won’t be easy though: No. 3 Haeran Ryu headlines the formidable 84-woman field. Now that’s a par-tee.

🏈 NFL: New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears — Tomorrow at 8:15 p.m. ET — Amazon Prime

• Choose your fighter for this class of 2024 QB showdown: Patriots’ milkshake lover Drake Maye, who has 10 touchdowns in his last three games, or da Bears’ Caleb Williams, who injected some life into the Windy City with a triumphant return from injury last week.