The Toronto Tempo, spearheaded by their prolific scorer Marina Mabrey, are preparing for a crucial two-game series against the defensive prowess of the Golden State Valkyries. This upcoming Sunday and Tuesday matchup in San Francisco presents an opportunity for the Tempo to rebound from a prior loss and their current five-game skid. With the recent acquisition of Aneesah Morrow, the team is set to inject fresh energy and strengthen their offensive capabilities, aiming to demonstrate renewed determination on the court.
The Golden State Valkyries, boasting a strong 19-9 record, previously bested the Toronto Tempo (10-18) on July 8th in Toronto with a decisive 83-75 victory. That game saw Golden State's Janelle Salaun emerge as the leading scorer with 26 points, a performance that overshadowed Mabrey's uncharacteristically low 11 points, which included missing all three of her three-point attempts. Since that defeat, Mabrey has been in stellar form, averaging 21.9 points and hitting 2.9 three-pointers per game over her last seven appearances, demonstrating her capability to deliver high-scoring performances.
Despite Mabrey's individual brilliance, including 25 and 26-point games during their current losing streak, the Tempo have struggled to convert these efforts into wins. Their last victory was a narrow 93-91 triumph over the New York Liberty on July 12th, where Mabrey exploded for 30 points. The team's coach, Sandy Brondello, has emphasized the need for competitiveness and resilience, especially as they face adversity on this road trip, urging her players to fight regardless of the score.
The Tempo's roster will see a significant boost with the arrival of All-Star Aneesah Morrow, who was acquired in a trade with Connecticut. Morrow, who averaged 11.6 points in 20 games for the Sun this season, is expected to join her new teammates for the commencement of their five-game road journey, potentially providing the much-needed support for Mabrey. Her integration into the team dynamic could be pivotal in turning the Tempo's fortunes around against a formidable opponent like the Valkyries.
On the other side, the Valkyries have also faced their share of challenges, currently experiencing a two-game losing streak, their third of the season. Historically, they have responded strongly to such setbacks, bouncing back with winning streaks of four and nine games in previous instances. Golden State's point guard Veronica Burton expressed dissatisfaction with their recent 91-89 road loss to the Phoenix Mercury, acknowledging that despite the close score, the team made numerous errors. She highlighted the importance of maintaining composure and unity to bounce back effectively.
As both teams prepare for this critical series, the stakes are high. The Tempo seeks to break their losing streak and avenge their previous loss, while the Valkyries aim to reassert their dominance and avoid extending their current slump. The addition of Morrow to the Tempo and the Valkyries' history of resilient comebacks promise an engaging and fiercely contested two-game encounter.
