Full Breakdown
Tempo Defeat Mercury 98-90 Behind Sykes, Mabrey Scoring
5/21/2026, 1:41:39 AM
Toronto Tempo Stun Phoenix Mercury 98-90 in Road Clash
On Tuesday night in Phoenix, the Toronto Tempo defeated the Mercury 98-90. A 12-4 fourth-quarter run gave Toronto an 85-78 lead, later extended to 93-86 after a lane basket by Maria Conde and Kiki Rice. Marina Mabrey’s sixth three-pointer with 1:25 left sealed the game. Brittney Sykes scored 31 points on 10-of-19 shooting (four threes) and Mabrey added 30 points, hitting six of 14 from three.
Recent Form and Road-Trip Context
Toronto came into the game 3-2 after a 106-96 road win over the Los Angeles Sparks, its first road victory. The Tempo were on a four-game road stretch that began in Los Angeles. Phoenix, fresh from an opening-night upset of the Las Vegas Aces, had lost three of its last four games, including Tuesday’s defeat.
Game Statistics and Key Performances
Toronto shot 74 attempts and made 36 three-pointers, tying the league’s second-most 3-point makes in a game with 15. Phoenix managed only 4-of-22 from deep. Sykes’s 31 points included four threes; Mabrey’s 30 points came on six three-pointers. For Phoenix, Kahleah Copper scored 18 and Alyssa Thomas added 17 with six rebounds and eight assists. Center Natasha Mack left in the third quarter after a double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds).
Coaching Perspectives & Criticism
Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts said the team “didn’t do what we needed to do tonight,” adding that the defensive effort was far below the team’s standards. Forward Alyssa Thomas echoed that the squad was “nowhere near where we need to be defensively.” Guard Kahleah Copper stressed that “we just gotta get stops. That’s what it comes down to,” highlighting the defensive lapses that contrasted with Toronto’s efficient three-point shooting.
Injury Report and Player Availability
Toronto listed four injured players: center Nyara Sabally (probable, neck), forward Julie Allemand (out, hip), forward Temi Fagbenle (out, shoulder) and forward Isabelle Harrison (out, hand). Phoenix ruled out guard Monique Akoa Makani (overseas duties) and forward Sami Whitcomb (recovering from knee surgery); center Natasha Mack left in the third quarter with a leg cramp. Additional concerns include forward Kathryn Westbeld (ACL tear) and rookie center Kyara Linskens, who did not play the second half.
What’s Next
The Tempo conclude their road trip against Minnesota on Thursday, while the Mercury host the Los Angeles Sparks later that week.
Verbatim Quotes
- “For a team that takes pride in its defense we didn’t do what we needed to do tonight,” — Nate Tibbetts, Phoenix head coach
- “Looked like a poor defensive team tonight.” — Nate Tibbetts
- “I think we’re nowhere near where we need to be defensively,” — Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix forward
- “We just gotta get stops. That what it comes down to,” — Kahleah Copper, Phoenix guard
