Harrison makes impactful debut in Tempo win after battling back from injury

Toronto Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison, right, celebrates her three-point basket against the Chicago Sky during fourth quarter WNBA action in Toronto, Sunday, June 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

TORONTO — Toronto Tempo forward Isabelle Harrison played her first game of the regular season on Sunday afternoon and her presence on the court had an immediate impact.

Coming off the bench, Harrison scored 14 points with six rebounds and two assists, helping the Tempo to a one-sided 85-68 victory over the visiting Chicago Sky at Coca-Cola Coliseum. But more than just her contributions on the court, Tempo coach Sandy Brondello and teammate Brittney (Slim) Sykes talked about her value as a teammate on and off the court.

“I’ve known Izzy for quite some time. So, we have that relationship, we already had that trust over many, many years,” said Brondello, who was the head coach of the Mercury when Harrison was drafted in the first round by Phoenix in 2015.

“And we got her here for a reason. Being a new team, you need those experienced players in the locker room. We got a lot of first-timers and she does it with empathy and compassion. She’s just a great human being and when (people like that) have success, you love it.”

Harrison missed the first 10 games of the 2026 season with a hand injury and was getting somewhat frustrated just helping out in practice and being a de facto assistant coach.

“She was out really early in the season but was never apart from us,” added Sykes, who led the Tempo attack on Sunday with 25 points. “She wasn’t physically on the court … but just having her back on the floor, man, just having another rebounder, another bumper, another person who can shoot the three and space out the defence.

“But, also somebody with the IQ who can read the defence and make plays for us on and off the ball. For sure, we are really happy to have Izz back.”

Harrison, who also played for Brondello with the New York Liberty last season, was just thrilled to be back in front of a live crowd.

“I was so excited to be with the girls and see the crowd and I was really happy. This crowd is lit,” said Harrison, the daughter of former NFL defensive end Dennis Harrison Jr. “The energy I’ve been feeling here since Day 1 is amazing.”

“She’s just an experienced player and she’s had many journeys in her career and she just sees the game in the right way and she knows what she’s capable of doing,” added Brondello. “It was great for her to come back and have success so quickly and be impactful in our overall win.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 7, 2026.

Steve Buffery, The Canadian Press