The Toronto Tempo have surged above the WNBA playoff cutoff, holding a 7-5 record after a notable victory in the Commissioner’s Cup. Their recent 106-102 win over the Connecticut Sun, ranked 15th, has helped the Tempo solidify their position in the standings.
New addition Brittney Sykes has been a driving force behind Toronto’s success, scoring a remarkable 38 points against Connecticut, which propelled her to become the league’s third-highest scorer. Alongside veteran guard Marina Mabrey, the backcourt duo averages an impressive combined 39.5 points per game, rapidly establishing chemistry on the court.
“We put the ball in her hands a fair bit near the end, and she made great things happen,” commented Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello, highlighting Sykes’s pivotal role in the team’s offensive surge.
Upcoming Challenges for the Tempo
Looking ahead, Toronto faces a challenging weekend slate, beginning with a matchup against the Washington Mystics, currently 11th in the league. The Mystics are coming off a narrow 78-76 defeat to the sixth-ranked Indiana Fever, sealed by Caitlin Clark’s last-second three-pointer.
Washington’s head coach, Sydney Johnson, emphasized the team’s resilience despite recent setbacks. “We’ve had moments where we’re on the ropes, and to see us show that Mystics DNA, the togetherness, the toughness,” he said. “We don’t even get to that moment if we don’t show who we are.”
Following their road game in Washington, the Tempo return home on Sunday to host the Atlanta Dream, who are currently ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Dream are aiming to overtake Toronto in the standings, setting the stage for a crucial contest at home.
Fans can catch the Tempo versus Mystics Commissioner’s Cup game live on ION tonight at 7:30 PM ET.