Toronto Tempo Ends 12-Game Losing Streak with 82-79 Victory Over Portland Fire
Source: ABC News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- In a season that had spiraled deep into frustration, the Toronto Tempo finally found a way to stop the bleeding. Isabelle Harrison poured in 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, carrying a depleted Toronto squad to an 82-79 win over the Portland Fire on Friday night, snapping a 12-game losing streak that had stretched more than a month.
The Tempo (11-25) had not tasted victory since a 93-91 thriller against New York on July 12 at the Bell Centre in Montreal. That drought ended in front of 12,414 fans at Rogers Arena, as Toronto showed resilience despite being without several key contributors.
Leading scorer Marina Mabrey was sidelined with a right adductor injury. Nyara Sabally and Maria Conde, who have combined for 70 starts this season, were both out with calf injuries. The bad luck continued into the game: Brittney Sykes exited after just 90 seconds with a foot injury, and Aneesah Morrow left early in the second quarter due to a knee issue.
Yet the Tempo found enough firepower. Kiki Rice tied her career high with 19 points, shooting an efficient 7-of-9 from the field. Laura Jukaite added 15 points, providing critical support. Toronto also benefited from a balanced attack, with Harrison leading the charge inside.
Portland (15-21) came out strong, building a 13-point lead in the first quarter. The Fire seemed in control, but the Tempo chipped away. Rice converted a three-point play with 6:26 remaining to give Toronto a 75-63 advantage, their largest lead of the night.
But the Fire refused to fade. Nyadiew Puoch, Bridget Carleton, and Emily Engstler each hit a 3-pointer during a 13-0 run that turned the game around, giving Portland a 76-75 lead with 3:28 left. The arena went quiet, and the momentum appeared to shift completely.
Neither team scored for nearly two minutes. Then, with the shot clock winding down, Harrison drove the lane and floated a shot over the defense. It dropped cleanly, putting Toronto ahead 77-76 with 1:22 to play. After a defensive stop, Harrison again found space, and the Tempo held on.
Carleton, who had scored 10 of her 18 points in the first quarter and finished with five 3-pointers, had a chance to win it. With the clock ticking down, she launched a contested three from beyond the arc. The ball arced high and short, hitting nothing but air as the buzzer sounded.
Megan DiLeo contributed 14 points for Portland, Engstler finished with 13, and Serah Williams added 10. The Fire now sit 5.5 games behind the Dallas Wings for the eighth and final playoff spot, with eight games remaining. Portland travels to Dallas on Tuesday, having split the season series so far — with the road team winning each time.
For Toronto, the win was a relief but not a cure-all. The team remains in the bottom half of the standings, and the injury list continues to grow. Still, Harrison’s performance offered a reminder of what the Tempo can do when healthy.
Both teams return to action Sunday at Rogers Arena. The Fire host Washington, while the Tempo face the Las Vegas Aces in the second game of their Vancouver stint.
Article commentary
The Toronto Tempo’s 82-79 victory over the Portland Fire was more than just a box score. It was a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity. Ending a 12-game losing streak, especially after losing key players to injury, requires a collective effort and a bit of luck. Isabelle Harrison’s double-double was the anchor, but the contributions from Kiki Rice and Laura Jukaite showed depth that had been missing during the skid. From a tactical perspective, Toronto’s ability to weather Portland’s initial 13-point lead and then respond to the Fire’s late 13-0 run speaks to improved mental toughness. The Tempo had lost close games during the streak, often folding in the final minutes. This time, they executed in the clutch: Harrison’s floater with 1:22 left was a high-percentage decision, and the defense held firm on Portland’s final possession. Portland, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities. The Fire are still in the playoff hunt, but their inconsistency is troubling. They have eight games remaining and sit 5.5 games behind Dallas for the eighth seed. That margin is not insurmountable, but they cannot afford losses to teams like Toronto, who are already eliminated from contention. Portland’s reliance on perimeter shooting (Carleton went 5-of-9 from three, but the team as a whole shot just 42% from the field) leaves them vulnerable when the long-range shots aren’t falling. The injury situation for both teams is worth noting. Toronto was without their top scorer, two starters, and lost two more players during the game. That kind of disruption would cripple most teams, yet the Tempo found a way. It raises questions about the roster construction and depth for next season, but also highlights the coaching staff’s ability to adapt. For Portland, the health of their rotation is less of a concern, but the lack of a consistent secondary scorer after Carleton remains a weakness. Looking ahead, the victory gives Toronto a morale boost heading into Sunday’s matchup against Las Vegas, the league’s top team. It’s unlikely to change their season trajectory, but it can serve as a foundation for the future. For Portland, the race for the playoffs tightens. Every game now carries weight, and they must learn to close out games against desperate opponents. The next meeting with Dallas on Tuesday will be a true test of their playoff mettle. In the broader context of the WNBA season, this game underscores the thin margins between success and failure. A 12-game losing streak can demoralize a franchise, but a single win can reignite belief. The Tempo’s resilience, even in a lost season, is a reminder that professional athletes pride themselves on competing every night. For the Fire, the lesson is that no lead is safe, and every possession matters in the pursuit of a postseason berth. The final weeks of the regular season promise more drama, and this game in Vancouver was a microcosm of the unpredictability that makes the league compelling.