Marina Mabrey has been fantastic for the Toronto Tempo this season, and that stellar form undoubtedly carried over into her first game against her former team, the Connecticut Sun, on Friday. Mabrey erupted for a career-high 37 points in the Tempo’s 101-97 win over the Sun, snapping a three-game losing skid.
She needed only 24 field goal attempts, shooting efficiently from both inside and out while repeatedly punishing her former team’s defensive mismatches in space.
The historic performance also saw Mabrey tie the WNBA record for three-pointers in a single game. She knocked down nine of her 12 attempts from beyond the arc to reach the milestone. With this feat, she joins an elite group of players, including Kelsey Mitchell, Jewell Loyd, Arike Ogunbowale, Rhyne Howard and Chelsea Gray, as the only players in WNBA history to record nine three-pointers in a single game.
And reflecting on her sensational showing, Tempo coach Sandy Brondello had no shortage of compliments, even likening her to WNBA legend Diana Taurasi.
“Looked like I was watching Diana Taurasi out there because I’ve seen her get in the fire and just how effortless it is, and just how fast she can shoot out in confidence – she has it… we’re lucky to have her,” Brondello said.
This is just the latest incredible achievement Mabrey has had for the Tempo during this season. It is clear that Mabrey, signed to a two-year max contract, is thriving with the expansion team, and she is a major reason why the Tempo are enjoying a solid debut season. In 16 games this season, Mabrey is averaging a career-high 19.1 points, 3.7 assists and 3.1 rebounds.
Tempo need Marina Mabrey more than ever as season-long homestand looms
Marina Mabrey has stepped up massively in the absence of injured players. The Tempo roster has been hit hard by injuries early in the season, with both Brittney Sykes and rookie Kiki Rice currently out of the lineup. Both are expected to miss significant time.
In their absence, all players have been asked to step up, with Mabrey in particular rising to the occasion. In short time, Mabrey has proven herself to be a bona fide superstar. Toronto needs her at her best as they try to push toward the postseason in their inaugural campaign, and she’s shown every indication she’s up to the task.
Mabrey’s best days may still be ahead, but even if she doesn’t take another leap, the Tempo will be more than happy to lean on her as a foundational piece until they get their core back together. The team next faces the Atlanta Dream on the road before returning home for a season-long nine-game homestand that could define their season.
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