The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has officially made its debut in Toronto with the introduction of the Toronto Tempo franchise. This historic moment took place during their inaugural game, held on Wednesday at Coca-Cola Coliseum, where they faced off against the Connecticut Sun in a pre-season matchup.
In what would mark the first-ever game for the Tempo, the team fell short, losing 83-78 to the Sun. A notable highlight of the evening came from local hero Kia Nurse, who made history by scoring the first basket for the Tempo. She accomplished this feat with a three-pointer at the 7:59 mark of the first quarter, electrifying the crowd and setting the tone for what would be a thrilling encounter. Coincidentally, the first field goal in the building was registered by Connecticut's veteran star Brittney Griner, who laid in a basket just moments earlier at 9:13.
The game saw an intense back-and-forth as Connecticut initially established a lead. However, Toronto responded impressively with a late first-quarter surge led by guard Lexi Held, leveling the score at 20-20. By the start of the third quarter, the Tempo captured a 10-point advantage, suggesting they were on track to secure a memorable victory in their debut.
Despite their early momentum, the Sun showcased their resilience. Connecticut rallied to reclaim the lead late in the fourth quarter, driven by a clutch three-pointer from second-year forward Aneesah Morrow. She emerged as a pivotal player for the Sun, finishing with a game-high 19 points off the bench and contributing seven rebounds. Morrow's performance included a critical steal and subsequent layup with just 48.4 seconds left in the game, extending Connecticut’s lead to six points.
The atmosphere in the arena played a significant role in the game’s dynamics, with fans cheering fervently for the Tempo. In the final moments, Connecticut's Gianna Kneepkens faced pressure as she missed a pair of crucial free throws. However, Morrow was quick to recover the second miss, allowing her team to maintain possession and control the game’s pace. Charlisse Leger-Walker then added to the Sun’s score, knocking down 1-of-2 free throws after an intentional foul, which pushed Connecticut's lead back to two possessions.
On the other side, Lexi Held stood out as the leader for the Toronto Tempo, scoring 18 points throughout the game. The 26-year-old had joined the franchise through the expansion draft after spending the previous season with the Phoenix Mercury, and her performance was instrumental in keeping the Tempo competitive in their first outing.
This match represented not just a game for Toronto, but a milestone in women’s sports as the WNBA extends its reach into Canada. The city showed promising support for the new franchise, which bodes well for the future of women's basketball in the region. As excitement builds for the upcoming season, the Tempo will look to build on their early experiences and develop a strong foundation for their franchise.
