In a thrilling display of teamwork and determination, the Toronto Tempo secured their inaugural victory in franchise history, defeating the Seattle Storm 86-73 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on Wednesday night. The match, which attracted a lively crowd of 8,142, marked a significant milestone for Canada’s newest WNBA expansion team, igniting a wave of enthusiasm among fans eager to support their local squad.
Mabrey Shines Again
Leading from the front, Marina Mabrey delivered another stellar performance, scoring 26 points and demonstrating her shooting prowess with six three-pointers. Her contributions were complemented by four rebounds and three assists, and her signature celebratory backward trot following successful shots has quickly resonated with the burgeoning fanbase.
Brittney Sykes, Mabrey’s dynamic backcourt partner, also played a crucial role, chipping in 18 points and six assists. The chemistry between the two players was palpable, as they seamlessly linked up throughout the match, showcasing what could become a formidable partnership as the season progresses.
Strong Bench Contributions
The Tempo’s success was bolstered by significant contributions from their bench. Spanish forward Marie Conde, who has recently transitioned from Italy, made an impressive impact with 16 points, including four three-pointers and eight assists. Her performance earned her praise from head coach Sandy Brondello, who noted her rapid adaptation to the team’s style of play.
Kiki Rice, Toronto’s first-ever draft pick fresh off her NCAA championship victory with UCLA, added 12 points, helping to ignite the Tempo’s offence. The bench unit’s late first-quarter surge, featuring driving layups from Rice, was a promising sign of the depth and potential this team possesses.
Improvement in Team Performance
After a disappointing start to the season with a narrow 68-65 loss to the Washington Mystics, the Tempo demonstrated significant improvements in their gameplay. Under Brondello’s guidance, the team enhanced their ball movement, recording 21 assists compared to just 10 in the opener. They also improved their free-throw shooting, converting 15 of 18 attempts, and reduced their turnovers from 16 to 12, all while matching Seattle in rebounding with 39 boards apiece.
Despite the absence of centre Temi Fágbénlé due to a shoulder injury, the Tempo adjusted well, showcasing their resilience and depth. The team is still working to integrate veteran forward Isabelle Harrison, who is sidelined with a hand injury.
Looking Ahead
With their first victory now secured, the Tempo will embark on a challenging four-game road trip, starting with two matchups against the Los Angeles Sparks this weekend, followed by games against the Phoenix Mercury and Minnesota Lynx. This stretch will be vital for the team as they look to build momentum and further develop their chemistry.
Why it Matters
The Toronto Tempo’s first win is not just a statistic; it represents the dawning of a new era in women’s basketball in Canada. As the team gains traction, their success could inspire a new generation of female athletes while strengthening the growing interest in the WNBA. The Tempo’s journey is emblematic of the dedication and passion found in Canadian sports, and their progress will undoubtedly be closely watched as they strive for excellence on the national stage.
