Toronto Tempo falls to Golden State, losing key players to injury ahead of Montreal trip
The Tempo dropped their third straight 83-75 at home as Janelle Salaun scored 26 for the Valkyries, with Brittney Sykes, Kiki Rice and Temi Fagbenle all sidelined.
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The Toronto Tempo dropped their third straight Wednesday evening, falling 83-75 to the Golden State Valkyries in a game that highlighted the depth of Toronto's injury concerns.
Janelle Salaun came off the bench for 26 points as Golden State (16-7) extended its win streak to six games. Reserve Kaitlyn Chen added 16 points as the Valkyries' bench outscored Toronto's 52-20.
Isabelle Harrison scored 24 points for the Tempo (9-12) and added eight rebounds, while Marina Mabrey — the team's first-ever WNBA All-Star selection — contributed 11 points, six rebounds and four assists. However, the Tempo's attack was hampered by the absence of Brittney Sykes (left plantar fascia), Kiki Rice (ankle sprain) and Temi Fagbenle (concussion). Sykes has missed seven consecutive games.
Sykes and Mabrey were dubbed the "million-dollar backcourt" after signing big free agent contracts with the Tempo in the off-season, but their inability to play together has been a persistent problem. The absence of Fagbenle's six-foot-five frame was particularly felt, giving Golden State room to pressure Mabrey defensively.
The Tempo travel to Montreal next, where they'll face the Dallas Wings on Friday.
