Mabrey continues to shine, helps Tempo tip Liberty 93-91 in Montreal

Toronto Tempo's Marina Mabrey (3) reacts after scoring a three-point shot during second half WNBA basketball action against the New York Liberty in Montreal, on Sunday, July 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

MONTREAL — The Toronto Tempo made a significant statement in their inaugural season by signing the first-ever million-dollar backcourt in WNBA history by adding proven guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes to the roster.

Both players took significant steps forward in offensive production and are firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot despite a slow start to the season.

However, life became more complicated when Sykes went down with a foot injury in the middle of June, and has not played since.

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While her absence has been noticeable as the Tempo had won just two of their last eight games heading into Sunday’s matchup with the New York Liberty, Mabrey has stepped up to fill that void on the offensive side of the ball.

Mabrey currently sits fourth in the league in scoring, making her one of the early favourites for the league’s Most Improved Player Award.

“I think (Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello) holding me accountable is probably the biggest thing just because she’s really challenging me,” said Mabrey. ”I changed some things in the off-season, knowing that my footwork is there, I think that I can get to the spots easier and know I’m gonna’ finish.

“And then, obviously, my teammates. When you have teammates that are fully trusting you, getting you the ball, letting you run the team, letting you run the offence … and seeing that they’re also getting confidence from it is, I think, the biggest step that we have taken as a team.”

Against the Liberty, she once again carried the offensive load, scoring 30 points as the Tempo snapped a four-game losing streak with a 93-91 victory at the Bell Centre.

This was the fourth time since Sykes’ injury that Mabrey reached the 30-point mark — including a 53-point eruption against the Los Angeles Sparks that tied the all-time WNBA record.

“I’ve always wanted to coach Marina,” said Brondello. “I felt like, in the past, 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.”

The shot creation proved invaluable Sunday as her 30 points and steady free throw shooting — including eight of the team’s final 10 points — led the way during a tense and confrontational fourth quarter.

Despite enjoying a lead as big as 20 points and not trailing all game, the Tempo almost threw the game away by getting into foul trouble.

“I’m just working on not being rage-baited,” joked Mabrey, who was also hit with a shoe thrown by Liberty guard Betnijah Laney-Hamilton during the game.

Brondello voiced her displeasure with the game’s officiating but acknowledged that their fourth quarter was not up to their usual standard, praising Toronto’s resilience instead.

The game was the second of the weekend being held at the Bell Centre. The Tempo will play twice in Vancouver (Aug. 21 and Aug. 23) in celebration of Canada’s first-ever WNBA franchise.

The players and coaching staff were impressed with the crowd turnout in Montreal as Friday’s game against the Dallas Wings broke the league record for regular-season attendance.

“It’s been great. Off the court, it was nice to see Tempo fans around the city,” said guard Laura Juškaitė, who registered a game-high 10 assists in Sunday’s win.

“Wherever you go, you meet somebody. It’s cool to be visible, see the fans, and just enjoy the city.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2026.

Elias Grigoriadis, The Canadian Press