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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. 

  • Who is Zaay Green, the newest Toronto Tempo player?

    Who is Zaay Green, the newest Toronto Tempo player?

    The Toronto Tempo announced that they have signed Zaay (pronounced Z”eh”) Green to a developmental contract. 

    Green is a 26-year old 6’2” shooting guard/small forward. She was selected 32nd overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2025 WNBA draft but has yet to appear in a WNBA game. Since then, Green has played for teams such as Kibirkštis Vilnius in Lithuania, Adelitas in Mexico, and AEL in Cyprus. Across this stretch, Green has averaged 12.4 points, 5.5 boards, 4.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

    When looking at Green’s game, it’s clear that she can score the ball in a variety of ways. She likes to operate off pick-and-roll screens, get into the midrange then use her exceptional footwork and a medley of fakes, hesitation dribbles, and turnarounds to create space and pull up for a mid-range jumpshot. 

    Green is also a slasher and can finish at the rim with speed and strength. 

    Using that same speed, Green further excels in transition. Furthermore, Green has really good length and strength for a guard. 

    There are flashes of Brittney Sykes and sprinkles of Maria Conde in her game.

    It is uncertain whether Zaay Green will help to solve the Tempo’s areas of weaknesses but she certainly fits in with our areas of strength. Welcome Zaay!

  • Tempo vs Portland Fire Game Report – August 6, 2026

    Tempo vs Portland Fire Game Report – August 6, 2026

    The road-weary Toronto Tempo was unable to keep up with the Portland Fire and fell 97 – 83, and extending their losing streak to eight games. 

    We break down the Good, Bad, and Outlook from this game. 

    The Good

    Admittedly, this was a tough game for Tempo fans to watch and we wish there was more good to take from this game. 

    Nevertheless, there were some small bright spots. This includes newly acquired, Aneesah Morrow. Morrow is every bit as advertised. Every time she was on the floor, she brought refreshing energy and tenacity that this team sorely needs. Even in a bench role, she led the team in rebounds and shot the ball efficiently for 11 points. She was also able to finish inside with strength. 

    We also want to give a nod to Laura Juškaitė and Nyara Sabally. No, neither shot the ball efficiently but they demonstrated their creativity and willingness to switch it up on offense. When the Fire defense doubled the ball handler, Sabally slipped past the defenders to get open near the free throw line or cut to the basket to attack inside. 

    Meanwhile, Juškaitė was arguably the only Tempo player who played with patience and always tried to make the right next play to help the Tempo offense. 

    This trio, along with Julie Allemand and Maria Conde, also spearheaded the only stretch in the middle of the 4th quarter where the Tempo played with hunger, determination, and urgency. Yes, we realize the Fire had probably let go of the rope by that point, but the Tempo have to find a way to bottle up the type of hustle and competitiveness demonstrated in that stretch for the team to find their way out of this losing streak.

    The Bad

    The broadcast said it the best, Portland looks like they were having fun; the Tempo did not. Let’s be honest. The Tempo looked road-weary and deflated from this ongoing losing streak. And it showed on the court. The Tempo missed a lot of layups, free throws, and 3-pointers. The passing was flat and there were a lot of isolation plays from individual players, leading to poor shots.

    With the Tempo offense struggling, the Fire took full advantage. Missed shots led to easy run outs by the Fire who absolutely thrive in these types of situations. 

    The Tempo also looked lethargic on the defensive end. The Fire must have sensed that Mabrey did not look 100 percent healthy out there and made her work on defense. This led to open stepback 3s and blow bys. 

    The Tempo further struggled to handle the speed of Carla Leite. Simply put, she carved our perimeter defenders and left them in the dust, leading to easy layups and passes to open shooters. She was also deadly from 3 and shot a whopping 15 of 17 from the free throw line. As a result, Leite scored a game high 27 points. 

    The Outlook

    The road does not get easier for the Tempo. Their five-game road trip continues and the team travels to Atlanta to play the Dream next. The Dream have taken all three of the matchups so far this season, and most of those games have resulted in one controversy or another. 

    The Dream currently hold the record for the fourth best team in the WNBA and feature a potent combination of star players, including Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Angel Reese, and Brionna Jones, who recently returned from injury and is one of the best bigs in the game.  

    The cards are certainly stacked against the Tempo. But, we are going to lean into Florence and the Machine when they sing “it’s always darkest before the dawn”. Shake it out, Tempo and Tempo fans. Let’s regroup and come back with some competitive spirit in Atlanta. 

  • Tempo vs Valkyries Game Report – August 2, 2026

    Tempo vs Valkyries Game Report – August 2, 2026

    When push came to shove, the Tempo were unable to keep up with the Golden State Valkryies’ physicality, falling 96-79 and extending their losing streak to six games.

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

    The Good

    For two and a half quarters, the shorthanded Tempo kept up with the third-seeded Valkyries. Despite their lack of effectiveness from the 3-point line, the Tempo switched up their strategy, using physicality and attack inside the paint. While this has generally been an area in need of improvement, they executed the strategy against the Valkyries’ defense. 

    Kiki Rice and Nyara Sabally both shone in this style of offense. Kiki reminded us of her strength and tenacity, getting to the basket and finishing while remaining completely unafraid of contact. Our rookie finished with 16 points, shooting an efficient 6-of-12 from the field.

    Meanwhile, Nyara scored a game-high 19 points for the Tempo, also shooting 6 of 12 from the field. Her speed and finishing abilities were on full display, while also contributing three 3-pointers. In addition, we saw Sabally hit a couple of pick-and-pop midrange shots that we typically see Izzy Harrison make consistently, but not as consistently for Sabally. She hit them with confidence this game, and we wonder if this could be the next step toward unlocking her offensive toolkit. 

    For those two and a half quarters, despite not having their leading offensive creators on the floor, the Tempo played well as a team and gave us hope that they might be able to steal this game. That was especially true midway through the third quarter, where we saw peak Tempo basketball: active hands on defense leading to transition baskets at the other end.

    The Bad

    However, in the final quarter and a half, Golden State adjusted their game plan and increased their physicality on both ends of the floor. From there, the scrappiness and physicality of the Valkyries flustered the Tempo, leading to Toronto turnovers and successful Golden State drives to the basket. This stretch was reminiscent of their first matchup where Golden State simply bullied the Tempo to submission. Unfortunately, the same problem reared its head again.

    Similar to their first matchup, the Golden State bench played phenomenally. Janelle Salaün came off the bench to score a game-high 24 points and looked simply unstoppable. Toronto Raptors fans might see some similarities between her game and watching Brandon Ingram last season. Once they get to their spots, even if their shot is not the quickest, it is money (even with a hand in the face). Overall, the Valkyries’ bench scored 46 points to the Tempo’s 8. 

    Finally, we have to mention that Golden State shot 48% from the 3-point line, shooting 14-of-29 from the field, while the Tempo only shot 23% (7 of 30). While the Tempo did find success dictating the physicality in the first two and half quarters, once the script was flipped, they reverted to relying on the 3-ball and couldn’t find the bottom of the net.

    The Outlook

    The same two teams will be facing off again at Chase Center for a rematch. Knowing how much success the Valkyries have with their physicality, we expect them to bring that intensity from minute one. It is up to Coach Sandy Brondello and the Tempo to find ways to counter that intensity and find success without letting the Valkyries get under your skin. 

    On offense, we liked seeing the Tempo attack the paint more. From this past game, you can see that Kiki Rice and Nyara Sabally can both be used in these ways. Can they find a better balance between going inside and shooting the 3-ball, making themselves more dynamic and harder for the Valkyries to guard? 

    What might help is the arrival of newly acquired player, Aneesah Morrow, who is slated to play and does not back down from any physicality. It will be exciting to see what she brings, and this game could provide the perfect opportunity for her to showcase her strengths. 

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  • 3 Trade Ideas for the Toronto Tempo

    3 Trade Ideas for the Toronto Tempo

    The WNBA trade deadline is fast approaching (August 2, 2026). To be clear, I don’t think the Toronto Tempo are going to make any moves before the trade deadline. But, in the spirit of this trade season, here are 3 mock trades that the Tempo should consider:

    1. Temi Fágbénlé to the Dallas Wings for Alanna Smith

    Screenshot from sportrac.com of Trade between Dallas Wings and Toronto Tempo of Temi Fagbenle for Alanna Smith.
    Screenshot from sportrac.com of Trade between Dallas Wings and Toronto Tempo of Temi Fagbenle for Alanna Smith.

    Last season Alanna Smith won co-defensive player of the year along with A’ja Wilson. This offseason, Alanna signed a 3-year max contract with the Dallas Wings. While the Wings have improved leaps and bounds, Smith has surprisingly been relegated to a bench role (playing behind Awak Kuier). 

    As a result, she is averaging season lows in minutes played, points, rebounds, and assists. The contrast between her max contract and current role can become quite a conundrum for the Wings. Some have already deemed her contract one of the worst current contracts in the league. From a long-term perspective, keeping Smith might also get in the way of building out this exciting Wings roster, headlined by Paige Bueckers, Jess Sheppard and Azzi Fudd. 

    Temi’s contract is only guaranteed this year. Flipping Smith for Temi would help the Wings to clear this potential salary cap issue well ahead of schedule, while they still retain a quality bench player in Fagbenle for their playoff run this season. 

    For the Tempo, they receive a player that can protect the rim, switch onto perimeter players, and play defense at an elite level. On offense, Smith is efficient near the basket, can space the floor well, and is dangerous from the 3-point line. Smith has also had extensive experience playing for Coach Sandy Brondello for the Australian national team. Her recent struggles in Dallas should not be seen as a reclamation project; rather, an opportunistic home run for the Tempo.

    2. Temi Fágbénlé and the 2028 first round pick to the Washington Mystics for Shakira Austin

    Screenshot from sportrac.com of Trade between Washington Mystics and Toronto Tempo of Temi Fagbenle and a 2028 First Round Pick for Shakira Austin.
    Screenshot from sportrac.com of Trade between Washington Mystics and Toronto Tempo of Temi Fagbenle and a 2028 First Round Pick for Shakira Austin.

    Remember when the Toronto Tempo tried to sign Shakira Austin to a million-dollar contract this offseason? Since the Mystics matched the Tempo’s offer, one would imagine that door has closed. Or has it?

    The Mystics currently have a log jam in their front court. Austin has been playing like a borderline all-star this season, being a beast in the paint and averaging close to a double-double. Her strengths are clear, but those strengths are also shared by fellow teammates, Kiki Iriafen and Lauren Betts – both who are still on rookie contracts. The Mystics are clearly ahead of schedule with this young team and if this young team continues to ascend, the Mystics might get to a point where they can’t afford all three bigs. 

    This is certainly not a 2026 problem, so it makes any trade interest from Washington unlikely. In the event that there was interest, the Tempo would instantly benefit from acquiring a player who can fill their biggest needs on both defense and offense. Giving up a 2028 first round pick will serve as the tax for getting a player as good as Austin. It’s not an ideal situation, but the Tempo would then have an elite starting center for the next few years. 

    3. Maria Conde to the Dallas Wings for Li Yueru

    Screenshot from sportrac.com of Trade between Dallas Wings and Toronto Tempo of Mariea Conde for Li Yueru.
    Screenshot from sportrac.com of Trade between Dallas Wings and Toronto Tempo of Mariea Conde for Li Yueru.

    To address their lack of frontcourt size and depth, the Tempo could also aim for a less flashy trade by sending Maria Conde to the Dallas Wings for Li Yueru.

    Conde has played a significant role for the Tempo thus far, but the result have been just ok. There have been bright spots (for a wing, Conde has been averaging an astonishing 4.6 rebounds per game) but also times where we wish she was better in her role (for instance, Conde is only shooting 36% overall and sometimes tries to do too much on the floor). 

    By trading Conde, the Tempo receive a true backup big in Li Yueru. Li’s game has improved year after year. She is a stretch center with a great shooting touch, is a brick wall on defense, and can offer some rim protection and rebounding. In Li, you get a player who can fit into the Tempo’s offensive scheme while also improving their biggest areas of weakness. 

    For Dallas, Conde provides an experienced presence to improve their depth at the wing position, which will be helpful come playoff time. 

    Closing

    Again, I don’t think the Toronto Tempo are actually going to make any trades. Rather, the goal for the rest of the season will be to get as healthy as possible and see what this team at full strength looks like before the front office can decide how to better tweak this roster for the next season.