When the Toronto Tempo entered the WNBA as an expansion club, the odds were stacked against them. A compressed draft window, aggressive free‑agency moves and a packed schedule left the franchise with little time to gel.
The situation grew more precarious as the frontcourt quickly became a injury list. Isabelle Harrison’s right thumb dislocation kept her out of the regular season, while Temi Fagbenle wrestled a Grade 2 sprain to her AC joint that still has no clear return date. Nyara Sabally also missed several games with a neck issue before making a comeback on May 23.
Stepping Up in the Spotlight
In the vacuum left by those absences, two players seized the opportunity to redefine their roles. Maria Conde, a guard by trade, began logging minutes at forward, while Laura Juškaitė, comfortable at the three, was asked to patrol the paint as a center. Both embraced the challenge, delivering performances that belied their usual positions.
Juškaitė’s versatility shone in a game against the Chicago Sky where she went 4‑for‑5 from three‑point range and contributed 10 points as a starter at center. Conde matched that impact with a 16‑point outing, her double‑digit scoring coming exclusively in Tempo victories. Their combined shooting helped the team set a franchise record with 111 points, surpassing the earlier 106‑point mark established against the same opponent.
A New Shooting Identity
The Tempo’s adaptability has translated into a sharper three‑point attack. Juškaitė and Conde have become unexpected marksmen, stretching defenses and opening driving lanes for teammates. Head coach Sandy Brondello has repeatedly praised Conde’s willingness to play out of position, noting that her adaptability has been a catalyst for the team’s chemistry.
Beyond the stat sheet, the club’s resilience has sent a clear message: depth and flexibility can compensate for a incomplete roster. The organization, branded as The IX Basketball, has used its platform to showcase how a new franchise can turn setbacks into a competitive edge.
The Toronto Tempo’s journey is still unfolding, but the early signs point to a team that refuses to be defined by its limitations. With key players stepping into unfamiliar roles and the coaching staff encouraging experimentation, the expansion club is carving out a narrative of perseverance that resonates far beyond the hardwood.