Marina Mabrey had herself a night this evening when the Toronto Tempo hosted the Los Angeles Sparks. Mabrey hit a career-high 53-points, an absolutely astonishing number that ties the all-time record set by Liz Cambage for the Dallas Wings in July 2018, and that was also tied by A'ja Wilson for the Las Vegas Aces in 2023.
Mabrey also racked up a record-typing nine 3-pointers for the second time in her career.
The Tempo selected Mabrey as the first player in the team's expansion draft earlier this year, and signed her to a multi-year contract that lands her the WNBA max for her first season. In every single way she can, Mabrey has so far shown that both decisions were exactly right for the team.
Mabrey's path to the Tempo hasn't always been the easiest one. She was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks after graduating from Notre Dame in 2019, and has since played for the Wings, the Chicago Sky, and the Connecticut Sun. She famously requested trades from both the Sky and the Sun — the latter of which was denied by the team last season.
The Tempo had a huge night against Los Angeles
Mabrey's performance helped the Tempo shut down the Sparks in a 125-94 win. Los Angeles was forced to play without Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink, who are both out with leg and ankle injuries. (Plum is expected to miss at least four weeks of play for Los Angeles, a huge blow for the team at this point in the season.
The win was a big one for the expansion team. Their 125 points was the highest ever in a WNBA regulation game. Mabrey's big night also comes soon after she set a francise points record of 37 points against the Connecticut Sun — a game that also saw her record 9 three-point shots. Tonight she shot on 17-of-28 shooting from the field and 9-of-18 from 3-point range, and also collected six rebounds.
The game was also special because Mabrey's sister, Michaela, was on hand to see her play. As she later explained, that's not something that happens frequently. "My sister doesn't get to come see me play that much," Marina said. "None of this happens without my teammates."
The Tempo will host the Phoenix Mercury on June 27. Their opponents will be missing Alyssa Thomas, who was hit with a one-game suspension this morning.
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