After yet another whirlwind offseason, the NBA is officially back with tonight’s juicy doubleheader. The first game of the season tips off at 7:30 p.m. ET, when the defending champ Oklahoma City Thunder hoist the franchise’s first-ever banner before taking on the Houston Rockets. In classic GIST fashion, today’s newsletter has everything you need to know about the 2025–26 campaign — ball is definitely life.

From record-breaking buckets to mic-drop moments, the 2025 WNBA season had us laughing out loud, cheering passionately, and sometimes even screaming into the nearest pillow. As the confetti settles on the Las Vegas Aces’ championship parade, let’s close out one of the WNBA’s most memorable seasons by revisiting all of the hoops magic.

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.

The Las Vegas Aces boast a commanding 2-0 lead in the WNBA’s first-ever best-of-seven Finals following yesterday’s 91–78 win over the Phoenix Mercury. The series now shifts from Vegas to Phoenix ahead of Wednesday’s Game 3…but not before we discuss the latest from the hardwood.

Today’s newsletter has everything you need to know ahead of tonight’s 8 p.m. ET Game 1 tipoff, from the reason each squad could hoist the championship trophy to the Finals tidbits that could decide the series. Let’s hoop to it.

As if that wasn’t enough WNBA news for one day, the Finals matchup is officially set. The Phoenix Mercury will face the Las Vegas Aces in the best-of-seven championship series after last night’s 107–98 overtime (OT) win over the Indiana Fever. Here’s how it all went down.

Need a little push to say exactly what’s on your mind? Look no further than the aforementioned Collier’s exit interview, where the five-time All-Star lambasted Commissioner Engelbert and the league office in a two-page prepared statement. Receipts, incoming.

Even with one WNBA semifinal done and dusted and the other heading for a winner-take-all Game 5, officiating continues to dominate headlines. From the buckets to the blown calls, let’s get into it.

Forget the Jo Bros, this weekend is all about WNBA hoops. Game 3s will grace our screens tonight, followed by a double dose of Game 4s on Sunday. Yes, with both best-of-five series knotted at one, that means the Finals matchup could be set before our next newsletter. Burnin’ up.