The head coach of the Toronto Tempo, Sandy Brondello, appeared fatigued after a challenging season. With an impressive coaching record, having won two championships and reached two additional Finals, this year marked the first time Brondello missed the WNBA playoffs in her 13-year coaching career. The team struggled, finishing with an 11-33 record, losing 22 of their last 24 games, primarily due to numerous in-season injuries.
The Tempo faced a tough period, especially in the final months, dealing with a depleted roster. They led the WNBA in games lost to injuries, totaling 121 games. Notably, key players like Brittany Sykes, Marina Mabrey, Nyara Sabally, and Kiki Rice only managed to play 78 minutes collectively throughout the season. Despite the challenges, Brondello commended the team’s resilience and character in the face of adversity.
The community warmly embraced the franchise’s arrival, evident in the enthusiastic support shown at games. The Tempo set attendance records and gained significant brand awareness across Canada. While the team faced defensive challenges, they aim to address these issues in the upcoming off-season, focusing on improving their performance for the next season.
Looking ahead, the upcoming WNBA Draft holds promise for the Tempo’s future. Securing a top pick could significantly impact the team’s trajectory, with prospects like JuJu Watkins and Madison Booker holding immense potential. With a positive outlook for the future, the franchise aims to build on its foundation and strive for success in the seasons to come.
