In a season filled with challenges, the Toronto Tempo are hoping for a resurgence as guard Brittney Sykes prepares to make her comeback from injury. After missing two months due to a left plantar fascia issue sustained during a match against the Indiana Fever on June 16, Sykes’s return could be a pivotal moment for the struggling expansion team, which has faced a disheartening ten-game losing streak. Currently sitting at 10-23, Toronto finds itself in the depths of the league standings, but a playoff spot was once within reach prior to their recent woes.
Sykes’ Journey Back to the Court
During a recent practice session, Sykes expressed her eagerness to return, contingent on receiving medical clearance. “It’s been a testing eight weeks, but it taught me a lot about myself,” she reflected. “I got to show up for my teammates and the organisation in a different way. I’m just grateful for the time I had to focus on therapy and personal growth.” Sykes’s maturity and leadership have shone through even while sidelined, as she worked to uplift her teammates amidst their challenges.
The Tempo face a demanding schedule ahead, starting with a vital matchup against Caitlin Clark and the Fever on Tuesday. Following that, the team will play back-to-back games against Indiana at home, before hitting the road to take on Washington. The week culminates in a cross-country trek to Vancouver, where they will face Portland on Friday and then Las Vegas on Sunday. This marks the second consecutive year the WNBA will host games in Vancouver, with last season seeing Atlanta compete against Seattle in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
A Gruelling Road Ahead
Toronto is fresh off a taxing five-game road trip that spanned the United States, featuring stops on the West Coast and in cities like Atlanta and Dallas. This rigorous travel schedule has tested the team, but Sykes’s potential return offers a glimmer of hope. After the games in Vancouver, the Tempo will wrap up their pre-World Cup schedule with three more away matches against Seattle, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. Earlier in July, Toronto also played two games in Montreal, splitting the series with Dallas and New York.
Power Rankings Update
In the latest power rankings, the Minnesota Lynx maintained their position at the top, following victories against Portland and Las Vegas. Golden State and the Las Vegas Aces rounded out the top three, while Indiana, Washington, and New York filled in the middle ranks. Atlanta, Dallas, and Portland followed, with Phoenix, Los Angeles, Connecticut, and the combined Seattle/Toronto squad at the bottom.
Celebrating Legends
In a recent highlight, the Phoenix Mercury retired the illustrious No. 3 jersey of Diana Taurasi during a halftime ceremony attended by a star-studded crowd. The event featured a 45-second standing ovation, after which Taurasi delivered a heartfelt 30-minute speech that expertly blended sincerity with humour, delighting fans even as the Mercury faced a loss to Portland.
Player of the Week
In individual accolades, Caitlin Clark of Indiana was named the Associated Press Player of the Week, averaging an impressive 25.7 points, 9.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds across three victories. Other notable mentions included Allisha Gray from Atlanta, Olivia Miles of Minnesota, and A’ja Wilson of Las Vegas.
Upcoming Showdown
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated rematch between Indiana and Dallas on Thursday. These teams will meet for the second time in two weeks, with the Wings eager to avenge their previous defeat in Indiana. Paige Bueckers dazzled for Dallas, but it wasn’t enough to overshadow the outstanding performances of Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston.
Why it Matters
The return of Brittney Sykes could serve as a turning point for the Toronto Tempo, both in terms of on-court performance and team morale. With the season nearing its climax and the pressure mounting, Sykes’s leadership and experience might just inspire a much-needed turnaround. As the Tempo look to reclaim their footing in the league, the upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining their trajectory for the remainder of the season.