Expansion Tempo fall 83-78 to Sun on home court in first game in franchise history

Toronto Tempo Kia Nurse (11) drives past Connecticut Sun Taylor Bigby (2) during second half pre-season WNBA basketball action in Toronto on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

TORONTO — The WNBA has officially arrived in Toronto.

In their first game in franchise history, the Toronto Tempo lost 83-78 to the Connecticut Sun in pre-season action on Wednesday at Coca-Cola Coliseum.

Fittingly, it was Hamilton’s Kia Nurse who landed the first basket in Tempo history, swishing a three-pointer and sending the crowd into a frenzy at the 7:59 mark of the first quarter.

Sun veteran Brittney Griner scored the first field goal in the building, a layup at the 9:13 mark of the first quarter.

Connecticut opened up an early lead, but a late first-quarter run keyed by Tempo guard Lexi Held brought things level at 20 each. By early in the third quarter, Toronto opened up a 10-point lead and seemed to be in control.

However, the Sun clawed back to take a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter on a pull-up three-pointer from second-year forward Aneesah Morrow, who led the team with 19 points off the bench and added seven rebounds.

Morrow also had a key steal and layup with 48.4 seconds remaining to put the Sun up six.

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 via the expansion draft, led Toronto with 18 points.

Takeaways

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.

Key moment

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.

Key stat

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.

Up next

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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 29, 2026.

Myles Dichter, The Canadian Press