Marina Mabrey has been one of the Toronto Tempo’s most reliable offensive players during their inaugural WNBA season. The veteran guard is averaging 20.8 points (44.1% from the field), 3.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 32 games. She has taken on an even larger role as the expansion franchise has dealt with injuries and a difficult stretch late in the season.
Mabrey was again at her best on Tuesday against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, finishing with 22 points on 7-of-21 shooting, including five 3-pointers, in the Tempo’s 101-95 loss at Scotiabank Arena. She helped Toronto stay within striking distance after Indiana built an early lead, but the Fever ultimately secured their fifth consecutive victory.
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The Tempo now have to regroup quickly, returning to action Wednesday against the Washington Mystics on the second night of a back-to-back. Toronto is looking to snap an 11-game losing streak after dropping 15 of its last 16 games and falling to 10-24.
That task will be more difficult Wednesday as Mabrey has been ruled out because of a hamstring injury, according to head coach Sandy Brondello (h/t Chelseas Leite of TSN Sports). The update comes after Mabrey played 29 minutes against Indiana.
Without their leading scorer available, Toronto will need significant contributions from Brittney Sykes, Aneesah Morrow and Kiki Rice. Morrow had 14 points and 16 rebounds against Indiana, while Sykes returned from injury and scored 15 points.
Washington enters Wednesday 20-14 and has already won three meetings against the Tempo this season.
