In the lead-up to the inaugural Toronto Tempo game at Coca-Cola Coliseum, everything seemed routine and familiar. Fans eagerly queued for merchandise, players warmed up on the court, and spectators gradually filled the seats in anticipation of the tip-off, resembling any typical basketball event.
The game commenced with the national anthems, as Canadian forward Aaliyah Edwards and American player Brittney Griner stood for ‘O Canada,’ accompanied by their respective teams. The starting lineups were announced, generating heightened excitement among the crowd. Homegrown star Kia Nurse of the Tempo received a thunderous welcome, underscoring the support of the sellout crowd of 8,210.
As the game officially kicked off with a jump ball, marking the WNBA’s debut in Toronto, Tempo forward Laura Juskaite acknowledged the overwhelming fan support, emphasizing the memorable atmosphere created by the enthusiastic spectators.
The historic game saw Griner scoring the first basket, followed by Nurse’s three-pointer that ignited the crowd. Despite a strong start by Toronto, the Connecticut Sun staged a comeback in the fourth quarter, securing a narrow 83-78 victory. Key plays from Aneesah Morrow, who led the Sun with 19 points, contributed to their late-game surge.
The crowd’s fervor played a role in the game’s final moments, with Morrow capitalizing on missed free throws to seal the Sun’s win. Lexi Held led the Tempo with 18 points, reflecting on the energizing support from the fans throughout the game.
Several players were absent due to various reasons, including injuries and reconditioning, but are expected to return for the upcoming games. Despite facing challenges, Tempo’s head coach Sandy Brondello highlighted the team’s chemistry and emphasized the ongoing process of building a cohesive roster.
Amidst the sea of fans clad in Tempo colors, the community’s support for women’s basketball was evident, with attendees expressing excitement and commitment to the team. Despite the defeat, the crowd showed appreciation with a final standing ovation, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for the Tempo’s journey in the WNBA.
Looking ahead, the Tempo’s upcoming regular-season opener against the Washington Mystics promises to be another electrifying event, with Brondello anticipating an even louder and more intense atmosphere for the team’s next challenge.