After a two-game stint in Montreal, the Toronto Tempo return home to Coca-Cola Coliseum on Tuesday as they look to stay in the WNBA playoff picture against the visiting Washington Mystics.
The Tempo are coming off an important 93-91 victory over the New York Liberty on Sunday to snap a season-long four-game losing streak and push their record to 10-13 on the season, two games back of the Mystics (11-10) for the eighth and final playoff spot.
Guard Marina Mabrey was elite once again against the Liberty, scoring 30 points in 35 minutes on 9-19 shooting.
The 29-year-old Norte Dame product is having a career season with the Tempo, averaging 21.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists alongside a 40.4 shooting percentage from three.
For her efforts, Mabrey will represent the Tempo in Chicago at the All-Star Game on July 25, the first time she earned a nod to the mid-season showcase.
Mabrey credited coach Sandy Brondello and her Tempo teammates for her breakout season in 2026.
“I think Sandy holding me accountable is probably the biggest thing,” Mabrey told TSN’s Chelsea Leite after Sunday’s win. “She’s really challenging me, so I got to go and act right and go out there and play the game.
“When you have teammates that are fully trusting you, giving you the ball, letting you run the team, letting you run the offence, and seeing that they’re also getting confidence from it – it’s the biggest step that we have taken as a team, but really just credit to my teammates. Honestly, they find me for every single shot.”
Brondello added she’s loving the opportunity to work alongside Mabrey during Toronto’s first season in the WNBA.
“I’ve always wanted to coach Marina,” Brondello said. “She’s always been a little underrated, but she’s one of the best shot creators in the league, and I’ve coached many of them.
“She carries a big load, so for her to be now for her to be the first-time All-Star, I’m so proud of her because she deserves it. It’s sometimes the right place, isn’t it? Right place, right time, and we’re happy she’s here with us in Toronto.”
The Tempo are still dealing with two significant injuries as veteran guard Brittney Sykes, who was playing at an All-Star level earlier this season, has been out since June 16 with a foot injury while rookie guard Kike Rice has been sidelined since June 3 with an ankle injury.
Centre Temi Fagbenle, currently in concussion protocol, is questionable for Tuesday after missing four straight games.
Tough Schedule Ahead
Tuesday’s game against the Mystics, a team that is 2-0 against the Tempo this season, is especially important given Toronto’s difficult schedule over the final 21 games of the regular season.
Following the Mystics, nine of the Tempo’s next 10 games are against the Atlanta Dream (14-10), Las Vegas Aces (17-7), Minnesota Lynx (18-6), Golden State Valkyries (17-7), Dallas Wings (16-8) and Indiana Fever (14-9), the top six teams in the WNBA.
Tempo’s Upcoming Schedule
| Date | Team (Record) |
|---|---|
| July 14 | Washington Mystics (11-10) |
| July 17 | Atlanta Dream (14-10) |
| July 20 | Las Vegas Aces (17-7) |
| July 28 | at Minnesota Lynx (18-6) |
| July 30 | Minnesota Lynx (18-6) |
| Aug. 2 | at Golden State Valkyries (17-7) |
| Aug. 4 | at Golden State Valkyries (17-7) |
| Aug. 6 | at Portland Fire (10-13) |
| Aug. 10 | at Atlanta Dream (14-10) |
| Aug. 12 | at Dallas Wings (16-8) |
| Aug. 18 | Indiana Fever (14-9) |
Overall, 15 of Toronto’s remaining 21 games will be against teams currently in a playoff spot, including three contests against the defending WNBA champion Aces.
