The Toronto Tempo made a powerful statement in their inaugural WNBA season, defeating the Phoenix Mercury 98–90 on May 20, 2026, at Footprint Center in Phoenix. In a game that featured high-octane offense and clutch performances, the expansion franchise showcased its depth and composure, handing the Mercury a tough home loss in front of a lively crowd.
Match Overview
From the opening tip, both teams traded baskets in a fast-paced contest. The Mercury, led by veteran guard Kahleah Copper and standout center Brittney Griner, looked to control the paint. However, Toronto’s balanced attack and relentless perimeter shooting kept them ahead for most of the night. The Tempo took a 51–46 lead into halftime and extended it to double digits in the third quarter behind a 12–0 run. Phoenix fought back in the fourth, cutting the deficit to three points with under three minutes to play, but Toronto responded with timely buckets and free throws to seal the victory.
Key Moments
- Third-quarter surge: The Tempo outscored the Mercury 30–22 in the third period, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from guard Kelsey Plum (acquired in the expansion draft) and rookie forward Aliyah Boston.
- Griner's dominance: Brittney Griner finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds, but foul trouble limited her minutes in the critical third quarter.
- Clutch free throws: Toronto’s veteran point guard, Chelsea Gray, calmly sank four free throws in the final minute to ice the game.
Standout Players
Kelsey Plum (TOR): The former Aces star led all scorers with 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, including 5-of-9 from deep. She also dished out 7 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds. Plum’s leadership was instrumental in the Tempo’s first road win of the season.
Brittney Griner (PHX): Despite the loss, Griner was a force inside, shooting 12-of-15 from the field and blocking three shots. Her presence kept the Mercury in the game, but she received limited support from the bench.
Aliyah Boston (TOR): The rookie had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, providing a strong interior presence alongside Plum’s perimeter play.
Season Impact
The victory pushed Toronto’s record to 3–1, firmly establishing them as a contender in the WNBA’s new-look landscape. For Phoenix, the loss dropped them to 2–2, raising questions about defensive consistency. The Mercury will look to regroup before their next matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, while the Tempo return home to face the Chicago Sky.

