Running Point
Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon (Photo: Running Point/Warner Bros. Television Studios)

Running Point Ending Explained: Heartbreak, Surprises, and What’s Next for Isla and the Waves

Netflix’s Running Point, created by Mindy Kaling and starring Kate Hudson, brought humor, drama, and intensity in its rookie season. The show follows Isla Gordon as she takes on the challenge of reviving the Los Angeles Waves, a struggling basketball team, while navigating her personal and professional life. The season finale, “Game Seven,” delivered unexpected twists, emotional moments, and an ending that left viewers eager for more.

As the finale begins, Isla is dealing with the fallout from taking Travis Bugg to rehab, which costs her relationship with Lev. While she holds onto hope that he might return, she soon learns he is moving to Minnesota for a new job. This news leaves Isla feeling lost, especially with the high-stakes championship game looming. At the same time, she unintentionally dismisses Jackie’s request to honor his late mother, setting up another emotional moment later in the episode.

Isla Motivates the Team Amid Tension, Surprises, and a Race Against Time

With the championship game approaching, Isla faces another challenge—motivating the team. Lacking confidence in her ability to deliver a pep talk, she humorously considers using AI or even bribing Jackie to write one for her. Meanwhile, her brothers confront her decision to let Jay out of his contract early, causing more tension. They push her to fight for Lev, leading to a surprise visit to his office, where she confesses her mistakes. While Lev acknowledges her effort, he asks for more time to process his feelings.

As game time nears, Isla, Sandy, and Ness realize Jackie is missing. They track him down to a restaurant he used to visit with his mother, where he is paying tribute to her memory. This moment highlights Jackie’s emotional depth and the family’s evolving dynamics. After a heartfelt conversation, the siblings rush to the arena, facing a race against time to make it back for the big game.

Running Point
Running Point (Photo: Warner Bros. Television Studios)

The Waves face off against the Portland Storms in a high-stakes battle. Isla finally delivers a rousing speech, calling the team underdogs and invoking a John Wick reference that ignites their fighting spirit. The game is intense, with Marcus hitting crucial three-pointers to keep the Waves in contention. In the final seconds, Dyson gets fouled, scoring two free throws to put the Waves ahead 99-98.

Heartbreak Surprise and Uncertainty as a Shocking Finale Leaves Fans Wanting More

Just as the Waves seem poised for victory, Portland makes a desperate half-court shot as the buzzer sounds. The ball sinks in, sealing a crushing 101-99 defeat for the Waves. The gut-wrenching loss shatters Isla and the team, who had fought so hard to prove themselves. The emotional weight of the moment is felt as the team processes their disappointment.

As Isla lingers alone in the arena, Jay arrives and thanks her for her leadership. In an unexpected twist, he kisses her, complicating the already uncertain future of her relationships. Isla now finds herself torn between Lev, who may or may not return, and Jay, who could be leaving for Boston.

Just when Isla thinks the night couldn’t get more complicated, she walks into her office to find her older brother, Cam, waiting for her. Cam, who had stepped away at the beginning of the season, declares he’s ready to take back control of the team. Isla’s inner monologue closes the season with a stunned reaction, leaving fans on a cliffhanger.

With so many unresolved storylines—Isla’s love life, the Waves’ future, and Cam’s sudden return—there is plenty of material for a second season. The cast has expressed enthusiasm for continuing the show, and fans are eagerly awaiting Netflix’s decision. Running Point has proven to be more than just a comedy—it’s an emotional rollercoaster that keeps viewers invested.