Episode 8 of "Running Points" kicks off with Isla gearing up for the playoffs, her heart brimming with a peculiar superstition: uttering the word "playoffs" aloud could somehow jinx her team's fortunes. As such, she imposes a strict ban on its usage around her. Lev, unaware of this taboo, mentions the playoffs while attempting to reassure her, earning a sharp reprimand. Just then, Isla's phone rings; it's Ali, alerting her to a brawl that erupted in a nightclub, involving none other than Jay.
Jay and the team had ventured out to celebrate their impressive ten-game winning streak. Among the revelers, Jay spotted someone who had played a pivotal role in his divorce. In a fit of rage, he forcibly shoved the man's face into a cake. The entire altercation was captured by vigilant netizens and promptly uploaded online, catching the eye of League Commissioner Franklin Grant.
The very next morning, Isla finds herself in a video call with Franklin, her anxiety palpable. His decree to suspend Jay for the remainder of the season sends her into a tailspin. With the Waves riding high on their winning streak, Isla knows she cannot afford to lose Jay as head coach. She skillfully persuades Franklin to rescind the suspension, opting instead for a fine and a public apology from Jay. The commissioner relents, but Jay stands firm in his refusal. He opens up to Isla about the personal turmoil his family is enduring, exacerbated by the encounter at the club. Jay vows that even if it means sacrificing his job or facing another suspension, he will never issue a public apology.
Jay vanishes, his phone going unanswered. Isla receives a call from his agent, informing her that Jay is seeking a transfer to other teams. Fury bubbles within her; she had gone to bat for Jay to avoid his suspension, only for him to refuse the apology. Nonetheless, the playoffs loom on the horizon, necessitating the team's continued practice. In Jay's absence, they promote a long-standing assistant coach to head coach, a move met with lukewarm enthusiasm from the players.
Elsewhere, Sandy, heeding Ness's advice, ventures into the world of Grindr in search of companionship. Unfortunately, his encounter with a charming stranger turns sour when the man reveals himself to be a thief, locking Sandy in the bathroom while he raids the house. On game day, the Waves suffer a humiliating defeat, the new coach's overcomplicated playbook proving too much for the players to handle.
Sandy, still confined within the bathroom's confines, reaches out to Isla over the phone. He unburdens himself to her, confessing a sense of disarray since his breakup with Charlie. In response, Isla urges him to reconsider reconciling with Charlie, citing the mantra, "Gordon's never lose." In turn, Sandy suggests Isla follow her own counsel and reconnect with Jay, believing she is the key to luring him back to their team.
Isla ventures to Jay's familial abode, anticipating a reunion, but instead encounters his ex-wife and her new spouse. They reveal that Jay was involved in a dispute after learning from the new husband about their plans to relocate to Boston with the children. Eventually, Isla discovers Jay on a practice court, absorbed in shooting hoops. She grants him permission to terminate his contract early, enabling him to move to Boston to be nearer his kids. However, she stipulates that he must tender an apology before resuming his coaching duties and completing the season.
In the subsequent game, the Waves reign supreme, securing their spot in the playoffs. The commentator extols Isla for her astute decisions since ascending to the presidency. He also heaps praise on Jay for his outstanding coaching throughout the match.
Meanwhile, Dyson notices Travis's peculiar demeanor, suspecting he might be up to something fishy. He alerts Marcus, who advises patience until concrete evidence surfaces. Marcus keeps a discreet watch on Travis and, post-game, discovers drugs in his bag. Consequently, Dyson and Marcus escort Travis to Isla's residence for a discussion.
Elsewhere, Cam's rehab journey stretches on for a few more months. At the episode's close, he endeavors to negotiate with the rehab manager, potentially angling for an early discharge.
