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Toronto Tempo set for historic WNBA debut against Washington Mystics

A new era begins as Toronto's rookie-laden roster takes the court. Can experience and youth combine to deliver a winning start?

,   and  ASMedia
1 min read
The image shows a group of women playing a game of basketball in a gymnasium. There are people...
The image shows a group of women playing a game of basketball in a gymnasium. There are people sitting on the stairs on the left side of the image, and a wall in the background. At the top of the ceiling, there are rods and lights, and banners with text hanging from them. In the center of the court, there is a basketball hoop with a net, indicating that the game is taking place in a competitive atmosphere. The text on the banners reads "WKU Women's Basketball" and the date of the game, January 19, 2019, is also visible.

Toronto Tempo set for historic WNBA debut against Washington Mystics

Toronto Tempo will make history on Friday by hosting their first-ever regular-season game. The match against the Washington Mystics marks a significant moment for the new franchise. Fans and players alike are eager to see how the team performs in its debut. Preparations for the season have been intense. The Tempo focused on signing experienced players during the off-season, aiming to build a competitive roster from the start. They also drafted Kiki Rice sixth overall and Teonni Key 22nd in the WNBA Draft, adding young talent to the mix. To finalise their lineup, the team waived Aaliyah Nye, Kitija Laska, and Nina Milic.

Head coach Sandy Brondello has expressed excitement about the opener. She is keen to see how her players adapt to the pressure of a professional debut. Among them is Teonni Key, who is adjusting to the demands of her first training camp by learning from both coaches and veteran teammates.

Kia Nurse, the only Canadian on the roster, brings valuable experience as a three-time Olympian. Despite the historical weight of the game, she remains focused on treating it like any other match. Her calm approach could help steady the team in their inaugural outing.

The Washington Mystics, meanwhile, are in the middle of a rebuild. Their visit to Toronto will test how the Tempo’s mix of youth and experience holds up against a team in transition. Friday’s game will set the tone for Toronto Tempo’s first season. The team’s blend of veteran leadership and rookie energy will be on full display. For the Mystics, the match offers a chance to measure progress during their rebuilding phase.

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