Expansion Tempo fall 83-78 to Sun in team’s first pre-season game
April 30, 2026
The Tempo will finish its pre-season schedule in Minnesota on Friday.
A rambunctious crowd made a late impact as Connecticut’s Gianna Kneepkens missed a pair of clutch free throws, but Morrow grabbed the rebound on the second, and Charlisse Leger-Walker converted 1 of 2 after an intentional foul to restore the two-possession lead.
Held, the 26-year-old who spent last season with the Phoenix Mercury before joining the Tempo the expansion draft, led Toronto with 18 points.
Tempo: None of top expansion pick Julie Allemand (reconditioning), core player Marina Mabrey (back) or reported million-dollar signing Brittney Sykes (right hip) suited up for the game, but all are expected to be good to go for the home opener May 8. Forward Nyara Sabally left the game with a head injury in the second quarter and did not return.
Sun: Aaliyah Edwards of Kingston, Ont., who had 14 points and five rebounds, is entering her first full season with the Sun after a midseason trade last year from the Washington Mystics. Speaking ahead of the game, head coach Rachid Meziane said he expects the 23-year-old to inject energy and versatility into the lineup as the Sun look to bounce back from an 11-win season.
Sixth overall pick Kiki Rice knocked down the first bucket of her WNBA career for Toronto with a three-pointer midway through the second quarter.
The Tempo shot 35.5 per cent from three-point range on 31 attempts, which promises to be a key part of head coach Sandy Brondello’s fast-paced offence. By comparison, the Sun attempted just 20 three-pointers, making five.
Tempo: Wrap pre-season schedule with a visit to the Minnesota Lynx on Friday.
Sun: Return home to host the New York Liberty on Sunday.
Source: torontosun.com