The Toronto Tempo's debut WNBA game nearly ended in a fairy-tale victory, but despite the narrow loss, the atmosphere at the Coca-Cola Coliseum was electrifying. In their inaugural regular-season match, the expansion team faced off against the Washington Mystics, and the excitement reached a peak when Marina Mabrey, who has quickly become a marquee player for the Tempo, hit two free throws with just 32 seconds remaining, putting Toronto ahead by one point.
However, the Mystics retaliated swiftly. Star player Shakira Austin was fouled twice in the dying seconds, converting all four of her free throws, which ultimately secured Washington's 68-65 victory. This hard-fought contest was a hallmark of the game, as it showcased both teams' resilience and competitiveness.
Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello expressed disappointment over the loss but praised the fans for their passionate support. "Sad that we didn’t win the game, didn’t close it out, but the fans were fantastic," she stated. The coach recognized the room for improvement, admitting that the game's execution wasn't perfect and emphasizing the need for refinement as the season progresses.
For Washington, Austin led her team with an impressive performance, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Kiki Iriafen contributed significantly as well, with a double-double of her own, scoring 12 points and securing 16 rebounds during the game. The Mystics marked their season opener with a solid win against the newly formed franchise.
In a standout performance for Toronto, Mabrey dominated the score sheet, finishing as the game's leading scorer with 27 points while also pulling down seven rebounds. Having been selected sixth overall in the WNBA expansion draft just weeks prior, Mabrey's impact was evident on the court. She expressed her desire to not only win but also energize the crowd, stating that she hopes her performance can be a catalyst for excitement among fans.
The game began with Brittney Sykes making history by scoring the first basket in the Tempo's franchise history, ultimately tallying 14 points in the match. While the game had its share of struggles, particularly in the closing moments, Brondello noted that such challenges are typical for an expansion team, particularly one that was still finalizing its roster days before the game. "We need time just to script it a little bit more, our end of games," she remarked, underlying the importance of honing their strategies moving forward.
The attendance for the game was notable, with the Coca-Cola Coliseum packed to its full capacity of 8,210 fans, many of whom purchased standing room only tickets due to high demand. The excitement extended to merchandise sales, with fans eagerly lining up for merchandise as they received complimentary T-shirts upon entry. The presence of Canadian sports icons further added to the vibrant atmosphere, with soccer legend Christine Sinclair receiving a standing ovation, reflecting her accolades as the all-time leading international goal scorer.
Other notable attendees included Olympic sprinting champion Andre de Grasse, Toronto Raptors players Immanuel Quickley and Sandro Mamukelashvili, as well as former Raptors Serge Ibaka and Chris Boucher. Their presence highlighted the community's support for the new team, reinforcing the importance of professional women's sports in the region.
Among those in attendance was Adam van Koeverden, Canada’s Secretary of State for Sport, who articulated the broader impact of the Tempo on youth sports engagement. He asserted that the team could inspire young girls and boys to pursue basketball and engage more with sports in general. "We need more young people engaged in sport. We need more court time, more pool time, more field time, more ice time, less screen time, more friendships, less follower counts," he stated, emphasizing the importance of physical activity for future generations.
