The Toronto Tempo triumphed over the Los Angeles Sparks 115-87 on June 25, 2026, at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, marking a strong performance that showcased their offensive prowess.
Why it matters: This victory is a key moment for the Tempo, improving their record to 9-9, and solidifying their place in the playoff race. The Sparks, meanwhile, fall to 8-9, raising concerns about their season's direction.
- The Tempo's win is particularly notable as they have struggled recently, entering the game with a 1-4 record in their last five outings.
- Marina Mabrey's 53-point performance led the game and marked a personal best, highlighting her importance to the team's success.
- With this win, Toronto is now just half a game behind the Washington Mystics for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
Driving the news: The matchup was broadcast live on Prime Video and Spectrum SportsNet, drawing attention across the league. The Tempo entered the game as slight favorites, with a spread of -1.5, and they delivered on those expectations with a commanding performance.
- Before the game, Toronto was favored at home with a payout of 1.81x if they covered the point spread or won outright.
- The Sparks were missing key players Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink due to injuries, which impacted their performance significantly.
- The Tempo capitalized on the Sparks' defensive weaknesses, scoring efficiently from beyond the arc.
State of play: The game began with both teams trading baskets, but the Tempo quickly established dominance. By halftime, they led 63-42, thanks largely to their three-point shooting.
- Toronto made 19 of 38 three-pointers, shooting 50% from beyond the arc, a statistic that played a major role in their victory.
- Los Angeles struggled defensively, allowing the Tempo to dictate the pace of the game.
- Marina Mabrey's nine three-pointers tied her for the most in a single game this season.
The big picture: This game serves as a reflection of both teams' seasons so far. The Tempo, an expansion franchise, is finding its footing, whereas the Sparks are grappling with injuries and inconsistent performances.
- This match was the third and final meeting between the two teams in 2026, with both teams having split their previous two encounters.
- Toronto's offense has shown improvement, with five players scoring in double figures during this game.
- Injuries continue to plague the Sparks, which could hinder their chances of making a playoff push.
What they're saying: Post-game reactions highlighted the significance of Mabrey's performance and the need for the Sparks to regroup.
- "We played with confidence tonight, and it showed on the scoreboard," Mabrey said after the game.
- Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries, stating, "We need to find a way to adapt and overcome these setbacks."
By the numbers: The statistics from the game paint a clear picture of the Tempo's dominance.
- Marina Mabrey scored 53 points, leading all scorers and setting a new career high.
- The Tempo recorded 22 assists compared to the Sparks' 18, illustrating their ball movement and teamwork.
- Los Angeles shot 42.2% from the field, significantly lower than Toronto's 55.4% shooting percentage.
What's next: Looking ahead, both teams face important games that could shape their playoff aspirations.
- The Sparks will need to regroup quickly, as they prepare for their next matchup against the Fever on June 27.
- Toronto aims to build on this momentum as they host the Valkyries, seeking to maintain their playoff position.
- Injury updates will be closely monitored as both teams navigate the remainder of the season.