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The GIST: The WNBA expanded its Finals to a best-of-seven series, but it looks like the Las Vegas Aces might not need the extra games after taking a commanding 3-0 lead with Wednesday’s 90–88 win over the Phoenix Mercury.

• Ahead of tonight’s potentially series-ending Game 4 in Arizona, let’s revisit an absolutely thrilling Game 3 before pondering two pressing questions as the playoffs enter their final act.

🤯 A’ja Wilson’s game winner lifts Aces in Game 3: Despite Vegas leading by as many as 17 points in the second half, a ferocious Mercury comeback meant Game 3 came down to the wire. The four-time MVP shined in crunch time: Part of a game-high 34 points, Wilson’s turnaround jumper put the Aces up for good…and set records along the way. Because of course.

🪐 Is it over for the Mercury?: Yes and no. Phoenix has authored multiple comebacks this postseason, but this is uncharted territory. It’s the W’s first seven-game series, but in the history of the NBA playoffs (where seven-game sets are the norm), no team has ever bounced back from a 3-0 deficit — and Phoenix will be without three-time All-Star Satou Sabally after she suffered a concussion.

🃏 Are the Aces a dynasty?: Almost. Before our next newsletter, Vegas will have two chances to clinch their third title in four years: tonight at 8 p.m. ET and Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Another win, and the Aces will join a very short list of dynastic squads, cementing their legacy alongside Maya Moore’s Minnesota Lynx and the now-defunct Houston Comets, who won the league’s first four ’ships. Talk about good company.

The GIST: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” MLB, probably, with two of four Divisional Series heading to a decisive Game 5. Two teams have already clinched a spot in the best-of-seven Championship Series (CS) — here’s the lowdown on how it happened and the winner-take-all action ahead.

✅ Toronto Blue Jays, LA Dodgers advance to respective CS: Start spreading the news because the Jays are heading to their first ALCS since 2016 after eliminating the NY Yankees in four games on Wednesday.

• Elsewhere, the defending champ Dodgers secured their seventh CS appearance in the last 10 seasons by ousting the Philadelphia Phillies in heartbreaking fashion last night. A tough ending to an instant classic of a game.

🐯🔱 Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal to face Seattle Mariners: Facing elimination, the Gritty Tigs lived up to their nickname on Wednesday, homering thrice in a 9–3 win to force tonight’s 8:08 p.m. ET Game 5. Reigning Cy Young winner Skubal will get the start for Detroit and has been dominant this postseason, but the home team Mariners are 3-0 against him this season.

🍺🐻 Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs rivalry rages on: Down 2-0, the Cubs proved there’s no place like home, winning Game 3 4–3 and last night’s Game 4 6–0 to keep their season alive. Now both teams will make the hour-and-a-half drive back to Milwaukee to decide this midwest National League Central grudge match tomorrow at 8:08 p.m. ET. Only one can emerge.

✨ Some crave the glory of knocking down a game-winner, but the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark lives for the assist that makes it happen. And she can dish with the best of ’em — just like our friends at State Farm.

• Behind every State Farm dime is a squad of 19K local agents, over a century of know-how, and $3.2M raised for youth and families across the country. It’s like having your own cheerleaders, strategists, and backup dancers rolled into one. Yes, way.

• Like a good neighbor, State Farm has your back, whether it’s helping you navigate life’s biggest moments or bringing you this newsletter for free. Nothing but net.

🎓🏈 NCAA football: No. 7 Indiana vs. No. 3 Oregon — Tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. ET — CBS

• This high-stakes showdown features two teams eyeing a return to the College Football Playoff. The Hoosiers’ explosive offense will try to make waves in Eugene, where the Ducks own the nation's longest home winning streak. One thing’s for sure, we know exactly who Oregon alum (and current NY Liberty star) Sabrina Ionescu is picking.

⚽ NWSL: Gotham FC vs. Kansas City Current — Tomorrow at 5 p.m. ET — ION

• Golden Boot leaders, undefeated streaks, playoff implications — this matchup has it all. Gotham’s Esther González and the Current’s Temwa Chawinga are neck-and-neck as the league’s top goal scorers with just three weeks to go in the regular season. The definition of can’t-miss.

🏈 NFL: Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs — Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET — CBS

• Whether it’s Ring Around the Rosie or running backs in quarterback-dominated fields, always expect the unexpected under the primetime lights. Case in point? The NY Giants stunned the defending Super Bowl champ Philadelphia Eagles 34–17 last night on Thursday Night Football.

👟 Today’s the day: Athlos NYC, the only all-women’s track meet, airs tonight at 7 p.m. ET on ION, your go-to destination for watching women’s sports. ION will air every second of the six events in tonight’s competition, including the highly-anticipated 200m dash.

• American sprinters Brittany Brown and Anavia Battle are world-class competitors who are ranked in the top three in the women's 200m. Will either wear the crown tonight? Find out by watching at 7 p.m. ET on ION.