Toronto Tempo Duo Score Historic 30-Point Performance in Win Over Mercury

Summary:

• Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes’ 30-points performances helped the Toronto Temp beat the Phoenix Mercury 
• The team marked a historic first for the WNBA season
• Tempo improved to 3-2 despite multiple injuries and Rookie Kiki Rice added 15 points 

The Toronto Tempo made franchise history on Tuesday night as Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes became the first teammate duo in the WNBA this season to each score 30 or more points in a single game, powering a 98-90 road win over the Phoenix Mercury.

Historic Night

Mabrey finished with 30 points while Sykes added 31, lifting the Tempo to their second consecutive victory and the first back-to-back wins in franchise history. 

The result came on the road against a Phoenix team that reached the WNBA Finals just last season, making the win even more significant for the expansion side.

Toronto reached the milestone despite being shorthanded, as several of its key players were unavailable, including starting center Temi Fagbenle who had previsouly suffered a shoulder injury, and forward Isabelle Harrison, sidelined with a hand issue. 

Starting guard Julie Allemand also exited recently with a hip injury, and Nyara Sabally was a late scratch due to a neck problem.

Despite the important absences, the Tempo leaned on their backcourt leaders, who have quickly emerged as the centerpiece of the roster after signing landmark contracts under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement.

Brittney Sykes, who followed up a career high 38 point outing in the previous game, added 31 points along with seven rebounds and six assists. She credited the team’s mindset and depth for the win, emphasizing their belief in one another regardless of who is available.

SLIM. IS. ON. FIRE. 🧨 pic.twitter.com/cvpmZO92OJ

— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) May 20, 2026

Marina Mabrey also delivered a standout performance, knocking down six three pointers while contributing five rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. She highlighted the team’s confidence and chemistry, saying her teammates’ spacing, screening and effort allowed her to stay aggressive offensively.

She is good indeed🙂‍↔️ pic.twitter.com/L1X5EnoFax

— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) May 20, 2026

Rookie Rice, Praised for Her Performance

Rookie guard Kiki Rice, who marked her second career start, ended the game with no less than 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two steals on efficient shooting. 

Head coach Sandy Brondello praised her composure, saying that she plays with a maturity that goes beyond her current level of experience.

Despite missing key frontcourt players, Toronto did a good job of controlling the boards, out-rebounding Phoenix 35-32. Sykes and Rice led the effort with seven rebounds each, helping offset the Mercury’s size and experience.

Phoenix was led by Kahleah Copper with 18 points and Alyssa Thomas with 17, but the Mercury struggled to contain Toronto’s perimeter scoring barrage.

With the win, the Tempo improved to 3-2 on the season, exceeding early expectations for the expansion franchise. The team now heads into the final game of its road trip against Minnesota before returning home, where optimism continues to build around their fast-starting backcourt duo.