Tempo Can't Overcome Hot Sparks Start
The Toronto Tempo's tough road stretch continued Friday night as the Los Angeles Sparks handed them a 99-95 defeat — a result that stings, but one that showed just how competitive Canada's first WNBA franchise is shaping up to be.
L.A. came out of the gate firing, building an early cushion that Toronto spent the rest of the game trying to erase. The Tempo made it a genuine contest in the second half, trimming the deficit and keeping the Staples Center crowd a little nervous — but it wasn't quite enough.
Plum Takes Over When It Matters
Kelsey Plum was the difference-maker. The veteran guard finished with 27 points, but it was her second-half explosion — 18 of those points came after the break — that ultimately sealed the win for Los Angeles. Every time Toronto threatened to pull even, Plum had an answer.
It's the kind of performance you hate to be on the wrong end of, especially on the road. Plum is one of the most dangerous shot-creators in the WNBA, and the Tempo are still a young team learning how to close out elite scorers in crunch time.
Tempo Show Fight, Earn Some Respect
The silver lining? Toronto didn't fold. A 99-95 final on the road against an experienced Sparks squad isn't a blowout — it's a competitive loss. The Tempo made it interesting late, and that second-half fight will be a building block as the season rolls on.
This game was also the first win of the season for the Sparks, which tells you something. L.A. was hungry, at home, and still only won by four. The Tempo are for real.
Canada's WNBA Team Is Capturing Hearts Nationwide
The Toronto Tempo have quickly become a rallying point for Canadian basketball fans. As the only Canadian franchise in the WNBA, they carry the pride of the whole country — and the interest from coast to coast, including here in Ottawa, has been palpable. Local basketball fans have been tuning in en masse to watch the Tempo's inaugural season unfold.
Friday's loss is just one game in a long season. If the Tempo can keep playing with this kind of energy — competing deep into the fourth quarter against veteran clubs — the wins are coming.
What's Next
The Tempo return home to Toronto with lessons learned and a roster that clearly has the grit to compete in this league. For Canadian hoops fans who've waited years for a team to call their own, every game — win or loss — is appointment viewing.
Keep an eye on Toronto's next home matchup. They'll want to make a statement in front of their own crowd.
Source: CBC Sports
