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  • Tempo vs. Atlanta Dream Game Report — August 10, 2026

    Tempo vs. Atlanta Dream Game Report — August 10, 2026

    In a high-scoring affair, the Toronto Tempo suffered their ninth consecutive loss, dropping a 107–95 decision to the Atlanta Dream on Monday night. The Dream were firing on all cylinders, placing all five starters in double figures and shooting the lights out from beyond the arc. On the other side, Marina Mabrey put on an absolute offensive clinic for Toronto, pouring in a game-high 36 points.

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

    The Good

    Despite the increasingly growing loss column, Toronto showed legitimate signs of life and identity-building in Atlanta.

    From the opening tip, “Money” Mabrey was all business. She set the tone immediately, burying a deep three to open the scoring and adding two more daggers from distance all in the first quarter. It was a classic bounce-back performance for Mabrey after being held to just nine points last time out against the Portland Fire. Finishing with 36 points on 7-for-13 shooting from downtown, Mabrey practically staged a one-woman show for the Atlanta crowd. While her hot shooting always turns heads, it was her shot creation and elite offensive maturity that has cemented her status as a top-tier scorer this season.

    This game also offered our first look at a nearly healthy Tempo squad, with Brittney Sykes as the sole scratch. Head coach Sandy Brondello continued to experiment with line rotations and by the fourth quarter, an intriguing frontcourt trio started taking shape in Nyara Sabally, Isabelle Harrison, and Aneesah Morrow.

    Sabally made her mark on both ends of the court with a commanding double-double (12 points, 12 rebounds), while Harrison (13 pts) and Morrow (11 pts) provided an additional interior punch.

    If these three can build consistency and learn to share the work down low, Toronto has a formidable frontcourt foundation moving forward.

    Finally, Kiki Rice provided another loud reminder of why she’s the future of this franchise. With Toronto desperately searching for floor leadership, the rookie guard stepped up as a steadying force. Showing off elite grit, pacing, and scoring versatility, Rice stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists.

    The Bad

    Brondello and her staff might be heading back to the drawing board with the starting unit after this one. Toronto’s international contingent went cold, as Laura Juškaitė, María Conde, Temi Fágbénlé, and Julie Allemand combined for just 5 points while struggling to make a defensive imprint. Woof.

    For the Tempo, large stretches of this contest felt like a replay of the same flaws that have haunted them all season. Slow defensive rotations, missed box-outs, and a general lack of bite on the defensive end allowed Atlanta to build a massive 25-point cushion.

    To Toronto’s credit, they refused to roll over. Play by play, they chipped away at the deficit to turn a potential blowout into a competitive fight down the stretch. You have to respect their fight and willingness to dig in when things aren’t going their way.

    Offensively, Toronto proved they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s hottest teams, shooting virtually even with the Dream from the floor. The key divide came on the glass: second-chance opportunities repeatedly gifted Atlanta extra possessions, and the Dream capitalized every time. Until Toronto cleans up the defensive glass, the final score will keep telling the same story.

    The Outlook

    The Tempo now head to Dallas seeking to avoid a double-digit losing streak in their road trip finale against the Wings. These two teams matched up twice in July with the Wings taking both games decisively. Dallas is aiming to end their 3-game slide as well and are looking to put the nail in the coffin on any fumes of playoff hopes left for Toronto who trail Dallas by 8.5 games in the standings.

    On the injury front, Brittany Sykes remains sidelined, though she teased fans on Instagram with a post stating “the band is almost back together.” However, the training room door remains busy with Julie Allemand (thigh) and María Conde (calf) both ruled out, shrinking Toronto’s rotation once again.

    Fun (or painful) Fact: Toronto now ranks second in the league in total player games lost to injury. A stat that cleanly sums up the frustration of this 2026 campaign.

    To provide reinforcement, Toronto signed guard Zaay Green to a hardship/development contract (be sure to check out our pre-game scouting report on Green!). With Allemand and Conde out, the starting lineup will have a new look and a fresh opportunity for the Tempo to find their rhythm. 

  • Tempo vs Dream Game Report – July 17, 2026

    Tempo vs Dream Game Report – July 17, 2026

    The Toronto Tempo continue to struggle against the best teams in the WNBA, falling 111 – 92 to the Atlanta Dream. To make matters worse, it seems like every time the Tempo play the Dream, controversy ensues.

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

    The Good

    Despite the loss, we have to give so much credit to Marina Mabrey. Chef Mabrey bounced back from a cold shooting night against Washington to lead all players with 26 points on an efficient 7 of 12 shooting. Tempo fans are now accustomed to seeing Mabrey dazzle each and every night, but that wasn’t always a given.

    If you haven’t listened to this recent Bird’s Eye View podcast featuring Chef Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, it is a must listen. You will have a better appreciation of how incredibly hard Mabrey has worked to become a reliable number one option for this team. 

    In addition to Mabrey, the Tempo showed once again that when they are at their best, they can run with any team. When the ball is being shared and the extra passes are made, the Tempo play a very pretty brand of basketball that leads to the open 3’s that have become our bread and butter.

    Despite a bad third quarter, we also saw the Tempo fight hard in the first half of the 4th quarter using a quicker pace and a barrage of threes to cut the Dream’s lead from 11 to 6. The team and Coca Cola Coliseum were humming; the Tempo were in the bonus and we thought there may have been a chance for a comeback – then the wheels fell off.

    The Bad

    This game featured the Tempo at their best and their worst.

    Over the course of the season, we have seen the Tempo expose their defenidve Achilles Heels in two main areas: transition defense and protecting the paint. Atlanta took the game over by exploding those areas once again.

    On multiple occasions, when the Tempo tried to set up their offense, they would either be too loose with their initial pass or the Dream would predict the first pass and shoot the gap. This led to 11 steals and 11 fast break points by the Dream (to zero by the Tempo, which stings more because of how good the Tempo are when we are the ones in transition). 

    At one point in the third, Laura Juskaite bobbled then dropped ball. When the Dream defender went on a fast break with the steal, Juskaite didn’t chase back with the intensity needed. On another play in the second half, the Tempo made a basket and immediately, the Dream lobbed the inbounds on a fast break for an easy layup. These points are deflating and the Tempo really need to crank up their defensive intensity to run back on every play.

    We also feel like a broken record at this point, but the Dream outscored the Tempo in the paint, 60-38. Like other losses, the Dream also got 11 offensive rebounds to the Tempo’s four, leading to 15 second chance points (to the Tempo’s 10). Again, stop us if you feel like you have read these types of stats before.

    Finally, we have to address the elephant in the room. 

    Following Nyara Sabally’s injury while defending a drive by Angel Reese, Coach Sandy Brondello complained about the call, calling Reese “a protected species”. The comment understandably drew criticism for racist intent. The following day, Brondello offered an apology to Angel. She has subsequently been suspended for one game by the league.

    While a racist attack on Angel was not likely the Coach’s intent, and would be a far cry from Brondello’s past behavior and reputation, as her apology states, the impact of her remark is what’s most important. 

    We hope that this will serve as an important signal to Coach Sandy and all involved with the league that racist remarks aren’t tolerated from players, fans, coaches and announcers, regardless of intent. There is more interrogation of individual and structural racist realities facing black women in this league to be done. 

    The Outlook

    This game was unfortunately another example of when the Tempo can start games well, show flashes of being able to beat great competition, but ultimately can’t finish. Our hope is for this team to last a little longer and be more consistent. 

    Of course, the fact that injuries continue to plague the team does not help. We hope Sabally will be able to see the court again as soon as possible.

    The July from hell doesn’t get easier for the Tempo, as the defending WNBA champions, Las Vegas Aces, come to town. This will be the first time the Tempo and Canadian fans will see the best player in the league, A’ja Wilson. Wilson, paired with the championship core of Jackie Young and the point gawd, Chelsea Gray, will be ready to put on a show. The Tempo will also be without Coach Sandy Brondello. The Tempo will need to bring their absolute best from the first to the fortieth minute to have a chance at stealing this game.

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  • Tempo vs Dream Game Report – June 22, 2026

    Tempo vs Dream Game Report – June 22, 2026

    The Toronto Tempo find themselves back in the loss column after a disastrous first quarter. Despite big efforts from Marina Mabrey and Isabelle Harrison, the Tempo were unable to overcome the deficit and dropped the game 94-87 against the Atlanta Dream.

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

    The Good

    On paper, winning three out of four quarters is usually enough to secure a victory. However, an 18-point first-quarter deficit proved too massive to overcome, even for a Tempo squad known for its resilient comebacks.

    If you look past the opening frame, there were notable positives – like the return of Nyara Sabally to the lineup. This marked just the third game all season where the Tempo have had both Sabally and Harrison active. With Harrison still finding her footing during their brief overlap in early June, this game offered an exciting glimpse at a frontcourt searching for stability and synergy.

    While Sabally had a quieter night on the stat sheet, she still anchored the interior with 9 points, 4 blocks, and 4 steals, helping re-establish a physical presence in the paint.

    For Harrison, it was a historic performance. She captured the Tempo’s first-ever double-double, finishing with 21 points and 10 rebounds. We’re loving watching Harrison’s confidence and fierce competitive edge grow with each game. Harrison and Mabrey were critical in leading the Tempo’s fight to climb back into the game. 

    With Brittney Sykes sidelined, Mabrey is visibly stepping into a primary leadership role. Where other players might panic and force possessions, Mabrey showed excellent patience, letting the game come to her and consistently attacking the rim. Her versatility, combined with her accountability in the post-game press conference, is a fantastic sign for Toronto moving forward.

    The Bad

    The story of the game was written in the opening chapter. Atlanta delivered a blunt wake-up call, racing out to a 16-5 lead before head coach Sandy Brondello called timeout. From there the team started to settled into the game, but it was too little too late, ending the first quarter down 33-15. 

    Mabrey summarized the execution lapse perfectly post-game:

    “We didn’t execute our game plan whatsoever. If you’re going to do that against a team like Atlanta you’re going to get beat pretty badly. Honestly, we didn’t get beat that badly because we won the last 3 quarters but it’s disappointing to play like that because you work so hard those next 3 quarters to try to come back and then you’re going to come up short.”

    While Toronto’s frontcourt showed offensive flashes, they struggled to contain Atlanta’s powerhouse trio of Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, and Madina Okot, who combined for 49 points.

    Beyond Mabrey, the backcourt continues to struggle offensively. With Kiki Rice and Brittney Sykes out, the Tempo haven’t found a consistent second scorer to rely on. Julie Allemand, Tima Pouye and Kia Nurse are reliable role players but may not have the prowess the Tempo need to fill the void. 

    The Outlook

    The Tempo have developed a bad habit of starting slow and spending the rest of the game playing catch-up. With an already intense schedule and a short bench, the Tempo need to find a way to start the game with authority to avoid furthering their visible fatigue and to dictate play from the first whistle.

    We love the accountability from Mabrey after the game, calling out herself and the team to address this:

    “Personally as one of the leaders I need to find a way to help us come out ready to play. And also, everyone else in that starting lineup. They gotta come out and be ready to play. That’s all there is to it.

    Toronto has an immediate opportunity to course-correct tonight against a Los Angeles Sparks team missing star player Kelsey Plum (out at least four weeks with a lower left leg injury).

    With a brutal July stretch looming – where eight of the next nine games are against teams above .500 – these next few matchups are near-mandatory wins for the Tempo.

    The Sparks will also be without Cameron Brink tonight due to a left ankle sprain. On the Tempo side, Rice and Sykes remain ruled out for their 8th and 3rd consecutive games, respectively.

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  • Tempo vs Dream Game Report – June 14, 2026

    Tempo vs Dream Game Report – June 14, 2026

    Despite a strong start, the Toronto Tempo were not able to keep up with the Atlanta Dream and fell 102 – 77.

    We break down the good, bad, and outlook.

    The Good

    The Tempo started this game like they were shot out of a cannon, displaying great energy on defense and ball movement on offense, and going on an early run. Isabelle Harrison, in particular, had the quarter of her life, and scored 9 points while limiting Angel Reese’s production to going 1 for 6 from the field. Allisha Gray also went 0-2 and Rhyne Howard was the only Dream player who had her shot going. For a hot minute, we thought that we may have caught Atlanta ‘dreaming’ and could run away with this one.

    Predictably, the Dream came back in the second. Gray scored 11 points and the Dream flipped an 8 point deficit into an 8 point lead going into the second half.

    The Dream did not let up their offensive production in the third quarter. The Tempo tried their best to keep this game within striking distance. However this quarter also saw the turning point of the game.

    The Bad

    To address it immediately: since minute one of this game, Izzy Harrison and Angel Reese went at each other physically and verbally. In the third quarter, Reese followed by Izzy were assessed delays of game for trying to pry/slap the ball from one another’s hands after plays ended. Had these been called as technicals, we suspect escalation in physicality could have been prevented. Angel also did not get a call when she grabbed a rebound when she was – upon instant replay – clearly well out of bounds, which riled up the crowd and bench at Coca Cola Coliseum.

    With 6:05 left and Reese posting Izzy up, Harrison pulled Reese down from behind with both hands and above Reese’s shoulders. Whether or not it was intentional, it was a dangerous play and a flagrant 2 was correctly called.

    After Harrison’s ejection, the Tempo tried to keep the score within striking distance after 3 quarters. In the fourth, however, the Dream sealed the victory with the combination of their size advantage, Allisha Gray’s unstoppable shotmaking, and their impeccable ball movement to always find the best shot. Temi Fagbenle, still getting back into game shape from a right shoulder injury, tried her best but Reese was able to get 8 points in the first two minutes in the 4th.

    On the defensive side, we have to tip our hats to Atlanta’s defense. We saw Gray give Mabrey very little space to operate during the entire game (going 2 for 11 from the field). Sykes didn’t fare much better going 5 for 12.

    We also have to give credit to Atlanta’s role players. Isobel Borlase set a new career high, scoring 17 off the bench, with Te’hina Pao Pao and Jordin Canada also scoring key 3’s in the second half.

    And, we have to be realistic. Atlanta has been building a contender team for years. With this calibre of competition, we knew that the Tempo were coming in as underdogs and needed to play a stellar game to win. There were glimpses of that in the early parts of the game, but ultimately the more talented team won.

    The Outlook

    On Tuesday, the Tempo face the Indiana Fever for the first time. Similar to the Atlanta Dream, the Fever feature a top-calibre center in Aliyah Boston, paired with 2025 all-WNBA first team player, Kelsey Mitchell, and WNBA Eastern Conference player of the week, Caitlin Clark.

    The Dream once again exposed how thin the Tempo’s rim protection can be. Aliyah Boston loves to play physical in the low post and will look to expose that again. The Tempo will also have to find a way to slow down Mitchell, one of the fastest players in the W. If the Tempo don’t keep up, Mitchell will run circles around you and dazzle you with sensational drives. Finally, the Tempo can’t let Clark go off from the 3, but even if they take away the 3, her vision and passing will be a handful.

    The Tempo will need to take the lessons learned from this game and play a higher level game from start to finish to be able to have a chance to upset the Fever.

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