Episode 4 of "Running Point" kicks off with Ali and Isla immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of a boutique, selecting outfits for Ali's child's upcoming Doljanchi celebration. This scene delves deeper into Ali's life, revealing her marriage to a Korean husband and her strained relationship with her sister-in-law. With a promise to attend the festive gathering, Isla adds a touch of excitement to the preparations.
The narrative shifts as Sandy, Ali, and Isla convene to discuss a pivotal deal that Isla must secure during the impending Owners Association Conference. Securing a partnership with Hoopli promises to bolster Waves' advertising revenue, a move that Sandy underscores as crucial for the organization's future.
As Isla jets off to the conference, Sandy finds himself sharing a roof with Ness, whose wife has booted him out for declining to fund yet another dubious business venture. To avoid any unwanted visitors, Sandy concocts a tale about contracting Covid and politely requests Charlie to steer clear of their temporary abode.
Elsewhere, Dyson grapples with feeling excluded from the team's camaraderie. The Waves players' exclusive gatherings in swanky restaurants pile pressure on the rookie players, who foot the exorbitant bills—often surpassing $25,000. Dyson, worried about the financial strain, attempts to secure an advance on his salary from Ali, only to be denied. Desperate, he seeks to increase his credit card limit, only to be deterred by alarming interest rates.
The living arrangement between Sandy and Ness grows increasingly tense, their contrasting personalities clashing at every turn. Meanwhile, Marcus, noting Dyson's distress, steps in during one of the team dinners and lends a helping hand. He puts an end to the practice of rookies footing the dinner bills, decreeing that each player must pay their own way from now on. Additionally, he insists on reimbursement for the dinner he has already covered.
Switching gears to Ness's marital woes, Sandy ventures to Ness's wife, pleading for her to reconcile with Ness. Surprisingly, the dinner fiasco wasn't about Ness's refusal to fund her venture but his interruption of their meal to take a call. She had repeatedly asked Ness to unplug and give her his undivided attention. Ironically, Ness spends more time on the phone discussing business with Sandy, Isla, or Cam.
In this episode, the intricacies of personal relationships intertwine with professional pressures, painting a vivid picture of the characters' struggles and triumphs.
Meanwhile, Charlie makes an unexpected appearance at Sandy's abode. Ness, initially mistaking him for an intruder, quickly dispels the misunderstanding. However, Ness is taken aback to discover that Sandy has kept their one-year relationship entirely under wraps from his family. In stark contrast, Charlie has warmly introduced Sandy to his family and an extensive circle of friends.
On a different note, Isla harbors reservations about the Hoopli deal, prompting her to request Ali to furnish her with all the broadcasting sales reports. Upon reviewing them, Isla realizes that the Hoopli agreement is strategically crafted to undermine smaller basketball teams, leading her to firmly decline signing it. Instead, she champions a fresh broadcasting partnership with ESPN and actively engages with the owners of smaller teams to discuss this proposal.
Rushing back home amidst her bustling schedule, Isla makes sure not to miss Milton's Doljanchi celebration. Later, while unwinding at the office, she receives stunning news: the Boston team has betrayed her trust, opting to align with San Francisco, Chicago, and New York in embracing the Hoopli deal.
