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  • Tempo vs Mercury Game Report – August 29, 2026

    Tempo vs Mercury Game Report – August 29, 2026

    Another tough day at the office for the Toronto Tempo, who tied their largest margin of defeat this season in a 101–69 loss to the Phoenix Mercury.

    Let’s break down the good, the bad and the outlook. 

    The Good

    It is hard to find much “good” at this stage of the season, but as the losses pile up, the Tempo keep showing up. Even with a roster running on life support, Toronto refuses to fold in its inaugural season.

    And that’s the beautiful thing about sport. It’s more than a game! It’s more than the wins and the losses. 

    Watching this Tempo team show up and fight, night after night. Watching the players continue to support each other and continue to engage with fans through social media and in the community. 

    This last stretch has provided the Toronto front office and the fans with the opportunity to see the depth of this roster. Players that would normally grab a couple minutes a game are getting the opportunity to play meaningful minutes or even crack the starting lineup. 

    Veterans like Kia Nurse and Isabelle Harrison are being asked to do more than just play their role and each have had their moments stepping up to the challenge. Tonight, Harrison captured her 17th game with double-digit scoring and continued to show her grit fighting for rebounds and making tough shots all night.

    Our 6th overall draft pick, Kiki Rice, is being asked to lead the team both as our floor general and as one of our top scoring threats. Newly signed players like Ornella Bankole, Zaay Green, and Kiana Williams are playing 15-20 minutes a game. And while it’s been a struggle to watch at times, it’s also been interesting to see who steps up on any given night and which rotations click. 

    The Tempo have had 22 different starting lineups this season. The team has had everything but stability yet the coaching staff and the available players on any given night keep showing up ready to fight. 

    Fun fact: The only player to appear in every game this season is Laura Juškaitė. As the Tempo broadcast put it, “the best ability is availability.” Props to Juškaitė for serving as Toronto’s ironwoman throughout the year.

    The Bad

    Toronto struggled to find a rhythm from the opening tip. Turnovers remained a central issue, with 5 in the first quarter and 16 total on the night. Credit the Mercury’s high-pressure defense, which generated 12 steals and 28 fast-break points. Lexi Held face-guarded Rice relentlessly, making it difficult for the rookie to initiate the offense. A compliment to Rice that teams are recognizing her game and targeting her as a key offensive player to contain. 

    Phoenix pulled away midway through the second quarter and never looked back. With limited backcourt scoring options, Toronto struggled from deep, shooting just 18% (4-for-22). Meanwhile, Phoenix caught fire, knocking down 44% (15-for-34) from beyond the arc.

    The Outlook

    The Tempo now get a much needed break as the league heads into the FIBA break from August 31-September 16. Toronto will be represented by 3 players and 2 coaches at the FIBA Women’s World Cup.

    • Nyara Sabally (Germany)
    • Maria Conde (Spain)
    • Julie Allemand (Belgium)
    • Sandy Brondello (Head Coach, Australia)
    • Olaf Lange (Associate Head Coach, Germany)

    Toronto has been on the road for a long time with their “home games” on this stretch taking place in Vancouver so the team will be excited to get back to Coca Cola Coliseum after the break where they’ll take on the Indiana Fever on September 18. Indiana has taken both previous matchups this season and will be eager to take another win with playoff seeding implications on the line but we’re sure that a well rested Toronto squad will be ready to try to even the score. 

    After that, only 3 games left before the curtain closes on the inaugural season. Get your tissues ready.

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  • Tempo vs Aces Game Report – August 28, 2026

    Tempo vs Aces Game Report – August 28, 2026

    The Toronto Tempo could not find a way to stop the stellar play of A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young, and the Las Vegas Aces went on to easily beat the Tempo, 93 – 73. 

    We break down the good, bad, and outlook from this game.

    The Good

    Though a win tonight was always going to be far-fetched, there was still lots to look forward to. Could Kiki Rice keep up her stellar play after reaching a new career-high in points in the Tempo’s last game? Also, this game saw a classic “who wore it better” situation between Izzy Harrison and A’ja Wilson. Call me crazy but I think Izzy wears the one leg sleeve, one arm sleeve and the headband combo every bit as well as A’ja does.

    With the Tempo still very plagued with injuries and completely out of the playoff picture, the goal of these remaining games is to evaluate the players on the floor and what they can showcase with more opportunity.

    With that in mind, we have to give a big shout out to Laura Juškaitė. Juškaitėcontinues to show her knack for doing little things that make her valuable to the team. It might be a small cut to the basket here, or a hustle play there. Simply put, Juškaitė combines the elements of being a “glue” player with high basketball intellect, patience, and creativity. 

    The Tempo also had a solid contribution from newcomer, Kiana Williams. While she certainly looked like she was at her first day of work during the Tempo’s last game against Seattle, she looked a lot more poised this game and hit some much-needed 3’s and layups. Izzy Harrison also continued to rebound from a tough stretch earlier in the month and had another solid game.

    The Bad

    Sometimes, you just have to tip your hat when watching greatness. A’ja Wilson was simply unstoppable this game, scoring 27 points and putting on a clinic with her array of buttery mid-range shots and low post strength. 

    But, what was even more impressive was her defensive presence in the paint. Wilson blocked, deflected, and changed the timing and rhythm of the Tempo’s shots in the paint. 

    Meanwhile, Jackie Young was hitting shots with Ornella Bankole’s hand in her face. Chelsea Gray was passing between her own legs, and the Aces’ bench players contributed well by excelling within their roles. 

    Even when the Tempo went on a small run in the third quarter, once the Aces ratcheted their defensive tenacity, the game was pretty much over by the end of the third quarter. 

    The Outlook

    Echoed in our last game report, the Tempo now only have five games left on their schedule and it is hard not to think about the odds for the upcoming WNBA lottery draft. As an update, the Tempo continue to have the second-best lottery odds to land the number one pick and it is a tight race with Connecticut for the best odds.  

    The Tempo next travel to Phoenix on the second night of a back-to-back before the WNBA breaks for the next two weeks during the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Phoenix has been struggling mightily as of late, having lost seven of their last eight games. They will also be without Kelsey Plum and potentially Kahleah Copper. Nonetheless, they will be sure to look at this game as one where they are favourited to win.

  • Tempo vs Storm Game Report – August 26, 2026

    Tempo vs Storm Game Report – August 26, 2026

    Down four key players and on the road, the Toronto Tempo had one of their ugliest offensive games of the season and fell to the Seattle Storm 90 – 78. 

    We break down the good, bad, and outlook from this game.

    The Good

    With Brittney Sykes, Marina Mabrey, Nyara Sabally, and Aneesah Morrow all out with injuries, Tempo fans were treated to seeing what a Tempo team led by Kiki Rice could look like. While she started off slow, Rice showed off her bag and exploded for 10 points in the second quarter. In addition to putting on a show with her strength and footwork during her drives to the basket, Rice also hit a big 3 and got to the line. At one point, Rice finished over three Storm defenders for a layup. 

    Rice finished the night with a career-high 24 points and shot an efficient 6 of 12 from the field.

    With the Tempo already eliminated from playoff consideration, the focus will be on the future for these remaining games. If tonight’s game was any indication, Rice already has the ability to create her own shot, undying hustle, and energetic defense. The sky is the limit for her.

    We also have to give a shout out to Isabelle Harrison. Over the entire game, Izzy stayed aggressive and looked for her shot when others were more timid. In the first half, Izzy’s combination of pick-and-roll and low post game found success. She also made a concerted effort to crash the glass which gave the Tempo life and energy when the game was still within reach.

    Unfortunately, the Seattle bigs improved on their defensive paint presence and Izzy did not find the same success in the second half, but it was nonetheless a good effort from Izzy. 

    The Bad

    Admittedly, besides some highlight-worthy plays from Rice and Izzy, this was an ugly offensive game from the Tempo. Overall, they only shot 37% from the field and 15% from the 3-point line. Although the Storm didn’t shoot the ball well either early on but the difference came as the game went along. The Storm played more cohesive and knew what butters and what doesn’t butter their offensive bread. 

    The Tempo, on the other hand, got into trouble when individual players were too impatient, or tried to make heroic plays on their own. On numerous times, this led to turnovers and easy Storm transition points. The Tempo also got into trouble when their offense stagnated and they settled for contested three-point shots.

    Tonight, the Tempo’s bench was noticeably shaky. Every time the Tempo ran a bench lineup of Teonni Key, Kia Nurse, Ornella Bankole, and Kiana Williams with one of our starters, the Tempo immediately lost momentum and the Storm would regain control of the game. Meanwhile, the Storm’s bench contributed 30 points compared to the Tempo bench’s 11 points. 

    With the Tempo’s ongoing injuries, we probably should have seen this coming. Williams, as an example, was only signed one day before this game and this was the first time this lineup has played together. It is just another example of the Tempo’s injury-plague season continuing to haunt this team. 

    Outlook

    With only six games left on the schedule, it is hard not to think about next season and, more importantly, the odds for the upcoming WNBA draft lottery. The Tempo currently have the second best lottery odds to land the number one pick in the draft who will undoubtedly be Juju Watkins – an absolutely generational talent who can change a franchise’s future. Even if the Tempo do not land the number one pick, the other two players slated to be selected next are Madison Booker and Hannah Hidalgo who would also be big gets for this Tempo team.

    With Sykes and Morrow being out for the season and no signs of Mabrey and Sabally returning anytime soon, Tempo fans might not have to decide whether they should cheer for the Tempo to tank or not. If the Tempo can’t beat last-place Seattle, this team may just have sealed its fate. The opportunity to add a Juju Watkins to this team, however, gives us hope for the future.  

    In the meantime, the Tempo will travel to Las Vegas to play the Aces. A win is unlikely, but it’s still worthwhile watching players like Kiki Rice get ample opportunities to showcase their talents, while other players, such as Teonni Key, will have opportunities to show us something more from their game. 

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  • Tempo vs Aces Game Report – August 23, 2026

    Tempo vs Aces Game Report – August 23, 2026

    In a hard-fought battle, the Toronto Tempo fell 88-78 to the defending champion Las Vegas Aces at Rogers Arena in Vancouver on Sunday night. 

    Let’s breakdown the good, the bad, and the outlook. 

    The Good

    Go Canada Go! 

    Vancouver understood the assignment for the second stop of the Tempo’s Cross-Canada Series. A crowd of 15,877 filled the arena to watch Toronto take on the defending champion Aces. And on a night where fans might have braced for a blowout – given a depleted roster facing an elite opponent – the Tempo delivered another relentless effort from start to finish.

    Entering with just eight active players, Toronto needed someone to step up off the bench, and a fan favourite delivered. Kia Nurse showed once again that she shines brightest in the spotlight. Checking in early in the first quarter, “The Hamilton Hammer” went to work scoring from all levels and knocking down 4-of-7 from deep on her way to 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. 

    Kiki Rice stacked another impressive performance, logging 14 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds. Night after night, she demonstrates remarkable poise for such a young guard. Her steady control, ability to create her own shot or drive downhill for tough finishes remain vital for this squad. Rice continues to serve as a reassuring reminder of the franchise’s strong foundation. 

    We also have to give a shout out to two other Tempo players for their impact on this game.

    Temi Fágbénlé came out firing with the first two buckets of the game and looked confident taking on A’ja Wilson and NaLyssa Smith inside. Temi is playing her best basketball of the season at at time when Toronto needs it most.

    Ornella Bankole also provided a massive spark. While her impact doesn’t fully show on the box score, her defensive pride was unmissable. Bankole picked up full-court to disrupt the Aces’ rhythm, she crashed the glass and fought until the finish, capping her night with a late steal and transition layup. 

    The Bad

    With an already thin rotation, the Tempo took another blow when starting point guard Julie Allemand left midway through the game with a head injury and did not return.  It’s hard to believe the bad luck the Tempo have had this season yet they’ve still given Canada an inaugural season to be proud of.

    This game followed a familiar script to what we’ve seen before. A valiant fight from a weathered Tempo squad that left its heart on the floor and managed to keep the game within reach all the way to the final horn. However, offensive execution stalled under pressure, leading to 15 turnovers (compared to 10 for Las Vegas). Laura Juškaitė accounted for 7 of those giveaways – likely a byproduct of heavy minutes and shifting positional roles to plug gaps each night.  Still, ball security and valuing each possession remains a critical focus for Toronto in close contests. 

    The Tempo also need more consistent production from Teonni Key. While she has shown flashes of dynamic play, putting together complete, back-to-back performances remains the next step in her development. 

    With Toronto’s top three scorers (Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes and Nyara Sabally) sidelined, scoring required a committee effort. They managed to do that with five players scoring double digits on the night – Nurse (19), Rice (14), Fagbenle (13), Harrison (12) and Juskaite (11). Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough horsepower to overcome the talents of the Aces and four-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who dominated with 27 points in 30 minutes, alongside Jackie Young’s 21 points and 5 assists. 

    (Off the court: Wilson had glowing praise for Vancouver post-game, highlighting the local food scene and waterfront views.)

    The Outlook

    The West Coast road trip continues as the Tempo head south to face the Seattle Storm on Wednesday, August 26. It’s a prime opportunity to build momentum against a last-place Storm squad (7-31).

    Toronto has controlled the season series so far, claiming decisive 21- and 13-point victoria over Seattle – include the franchise’s inaugural victory back on May 13. Though short-handed, historical success against Seattle should give Toronto a welcome confidence boost.

    Following Wednesday’s tilt, the Tempo carry on to Las Vegas for a quick rematch with the Aces before the WNBA FIBA International Break (August 31-September 16). The upcoming two-week pause arrives at an ideal team for a roster eager to rest, recover, and gear up for the final stretch of their inaugural season.

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  • Tempo vs Fever Game Report – August 18, 2026

    Tempo vs Fever Game Report – August 18, 2026

    Inside a sold-out Scotiabank arena, the Toronto Tempo fought hard and had chances but ultimately were unable to upset the red-hot Indiana Fever, losing 101 – 95. 

    We break down the good, bad, and outlook from this game. 

    The Good

    The lead-up to this game was full of hype as 19,300 showed up and showed out at a sold-out Scotiabank Arena and we received announcements that the game would feature the unveiling of the Tempo’s mascot mascots (welcome Dez and Dot!), and the return of Brittney ‘Slim’ Sykes. 

    And, it did not take long for Slim to make an impact on this game. Despite being out for over two months, Slim quickly showcased the same speed and nimbleness on her drives, and reminded everyone why she is integral to this team’s success. While she may not have had her most efficient game, this is typical for players coming back from injury (recall that Kiki also didn’t shoot the ball successfully on her first game back). What Slim did do was contribute 15 points by driving, getting to the line, and hitting a few jumpers along the way. This contribution has been sorely missed. Welcome back Slim!

    We also have to give a big shout out to the Tempo’s bench, including Aneesah Morrow and Temi Fágbénlé. By the second quarter, it became apparent that this game was going to be a shootout and played at a phrenetic pace. Against the leagues’ top offensive team, the Tempo needed all the offensive production they could muster and these two stepped up huge.

    At one point in the 3rd quarter, Aneesah Morrow grabbed three offensive rebounds, leading to one Kia Nurse three and a putback with an and-one – all within the span of a minute. She ended the game with 14 points and 16 rebounds, of which seven were offensive rebounds. Simply huge.

    Meanwhile, Temi went three for three from the 3-point line and contributed 13 points. Even more importantly, she moved with more agility on defense than past games. There were numerous plays where our perimeter defenders were beat on the dribble, but were helped by Temi to protect the rim and caused the Fever players to miss their shots. 

    Finally, we have to give the biggest shout out to the Tempo fans. As it has been a trend all season long, the Tempo fans continue to turn heads around the league for showing up and showing out for the Tempo. Both Caitlin Clark and Holly Rowe were very complimentary about the fanbase, the city, and the electric atmosphere within the arena. We couldn’t be more excited by how normal it already feels to have the Tempo be part of the city and country!

    The Bad

    For Canadian fans who have been itching to see Eastern Conference player of the week, Caitlin Clark, alongside Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and the Indiana Fever, you got your money’s worth. The Fever’s big 3 shone brightly tonight, especially Kelsey Mitchell. 

    Simply put, Mitchell was unstoppable. She delivered a masterclass in showcasing her talent. We were dazzled by the speed at which she was able to drive to the basket, paired with her ability to change angles on a dime and finishing at the rim. She also shot the ball from anywhere effortlessly and finished the game with 29 points on an efficient 11 of 16 shooting. Had she not left the game in the fourth quarter, we imagine that the score would not have been as close.

    Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark seemed to have a responding 3-pointer for every 3-pointer the Tempo were able to make and her footwork on the perimeter to get open for 3 despite multiple defenders is elite (though we have to shout out the Tempo defenders for turning her over seven times!). To round out the big 3, Aliyah Boston ruled the paint. Her strength and footwork in the low post put the Tempo defenders on their heels all night long. 

    On the Tempo side, the strategy was clear. The Fever are last in the league in allowing points in the paint, so the Tempo made a more concerted effort to attack inside. Unfortunately, they were largely unsuccessful with that strategy. Not getting calls from the referees certainly did not help, nor does the fact that the Tempo are second-last in the league in scoring in the paint. This will be an area to address in the off-season. 

    Moreover, any attempt at a comeback upset against one of the top teams in the league would’ve required the Tempo to capitalize on all the opportunities they received and they ultimately did not in the fourth quarter. We counted two missed free throws down the stretch, a turnover after the Tempo were gifted an 8-second turnover by Clark, and another turnover by Marina Mabrey with 12 seconds left. Without those errors, the game would have been even closer. 

    The Outlook

    The Tempo now travel to Washington to play the Mystics on the second night of a tough back-to-back. Washington has played exceptional ball this season and has had Toronto’s number, winning all three of their matchups.

    While the first two games were close, including one game decided by a Sonia Citron buzzer beater, the last game played was not close. In these games, the Mystics have been able to use their gigantic and extremely skilled frontcourt to out-rebound and out-muscle the Tempo in the paint. The Mystics defenders also play very physical defense on Marina Mabrey in an effort to not let her get going offensively.

    Despite tired legs, the Tempo are going to need their entire team to muster up all the energy they can on both ends of the floor if they are going to have a chance at upsetting the Mystics. 

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