Full Breakdown
Nyara Sabally's Career-High 29 Points Propel Toronto Tempo Past Chicago Sky
5/28/2026, 10:48:19 PM
Background & Context
Nyara Sabally, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 draft, missed the 2023 season after a second ACL tear and played only 17 games in 2025 due to knee problems. She joined the expansion Toronto Tempo in 2026, reuniting with coach Sandy Brondello, who originally drafted her for the New York Liberty. The Tempo, in its inaugural season, sought early success, while the Chicago Sky aimed to reverse a recent slide.
Game Summary & Key Performance
On May 27, 2026 the Tempo beat the Sky 111–104 at Wintrust Arena. Sabally posted a career-high 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting (75 % FG) and 3-of-4 from three, adding six rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 28 minutes. Marina Mabrey contributed 24 points and seven assists; Brittney Sykes added 20. For Chicago, rookie Sydney Taylor scored 27, Skylar Diggins 23 with nine assists, and Natasha Cloud 18 with nine assists.
Data & Statistics
- Sabally: 29 points, 11/14 FG (75 %), 3/4 3PT, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks – youngest WNBA player to achieve such line.
- Tempo: 56 % shooting, 12-of-12 threes; 58 % shooting and 21-10 rebounding in the half.
- Halftime lead 55–48; third-quarter 11-4 run extended lead to 66–52; final 8-2 run sealed win after Chicago cut margin to 98–96 with 3:33 left.
- Sky losing streak reported as three straight losses (Deadspin) and three losses within a four-game stretch (ESPN).
Official Statements & Responses
Sandy Brondello praised Sabally’s perseverance, citing her work ethic and the role of health and opportunity in Toronto’s roster strategy. Sabally thanked Brondello for her trust and highlighted the team’s support. Chicago coach Tyler Marsh noted the loss stemmed from an inability to maintain stops in the fourth quarter, pointing to defensive lapses.
Criticism & Opposition
The Sky’s post-game assessment cited defensive inconsistency, noting an inability to hold stops in critical moments, reflected in the eight-point deficit after Toronto’s late surge.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Chicago’s losing streak: Deadspin cites a three-game skid, while ESPN describes three losses within a four-game stretch. No other discrepancies were noted.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's always fun," Sabally said after the Tempo's 111-104 win over the Chicago Sky, "especially when you get to do it with a group like that, that celebrates your wins and just hypes you up all game.” — Nyara Sabally, Toronto Tempo center
- “For me, she put so much work into it, she's faced so much adversity," Brondello said of Sabally.” — Sandy Brondello, Toronto Tempo head coach
- “and hopefully this is just one of many.” — Marina Mabrey, Toronto Tempo guard
- “We couldn't string together consecutive stops in that fourth quarter, and that really did us in," Sky coach Tyler Marsh said.” — Tyler Marsh, Chicago Sky head coach
