The Toronto Tempo delivered a thrilling 93-91 victory over the New York Liberty in a tightly contested WNBA showdown early on July 13, 2026. The game, held at the Tempo’s home court, saw the host squad edge out one of the league’s powerhouse teams in a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final possession. With this win, Toronto improved their early-season record while handing New York a narrow defeat that could have playoff implications later in the campaign.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams showcased elite offensive rhythm and defensive intensity. The Liberty, known for their balanced scoring and deep bench, controlled much of the first half, building a 48-43 lead at the break. However, the Tempo responded with a strong third quarter, outscoring New York 28-20 to take a three-point advantage into the final period. The fourth quarter featured six lead changes and three ties, with neither side able to separate by more than four points. In the clutch, Toronto's composure at the free-throw line and a critical defensive stop sealed the two-point win.

Key Moments

• Third-quarter surge: Toronto exploded for 28 points in the third, fueled by fast-break opportunities and sharp three-point shooting. A 10-2 run midway through the quarter flipped the momentum.
• Clutch free throws: With 12 seconds left and the score tied at 91, Tempo guard Kayla Alexander drove into the lane, drew a foul, and calmly sank both free throws to give her team the lead.
• Final defensive stand: New York inbounded with 8 seconds remaining. Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu got a clean look from beyond the arc, but Toronto’s Sika Koné contested the shot, forcing a miss that secured the win.

Tactical Story

Toronto’s game plan revolved around limiting New York’s interior scoring while exploiting mismatches on the perimeter. The Liberty attempted to pound the ball inside to Jonquel Jones, but the Tempo’s double-teams and quick rotations held her to a relatively quiet night (14 points, 9 rebounds). Offensively, Toronto spread the floor and used high pick-and-roll actions to free up shooters. They shot 48% from the field and 38% from three, compared to New York’s 44% and 33%, respectively. Turnovers were nearly even (12 for Toronto, 13 for New York), but the Tempo capitalized by scoring 18 points off Liberty miscues.

Standout Players

• Kayla Alexander (Toronto): Led all scorers with 27 points, adding 6 assists and 5 rebounds. Her ability to create off the dribble and draw fouls (9-for-10 from the line) was decisive.
• Breanna Stewart (New York): Despite the loss, Stewart recorded a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds, keeping the Liberty in the game with her versatility.
• Kia Nurse (Toronto): Provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, including three three-pointers, and delivered key defensive pressure on Ionescu in the fourth quarter.

Season Impact

The victory pushed Toronto’s record to 4-2, solidifying their position near the top of the Eastern Conference early in the 2026 season. For New York, the loss dropped them to 3-3, but the Liberty remain a title contender with a deep roster. This match could serve as a preview of a potential playoff series, given the competitiveness and star power on both sides. The Tempo will look to build on this momentum, while New York will aim to tighten their execution in close games moving forward.