Lynx dismantle Tempo in decisive WNBA victory
Reserve Maya Caldwell tops scoring with 16 points as the Lynx extend their winning streak, while the Toronto Tempo suffer their heaviest defeat to date, dropping their record to 3-3.
The Minnesota Lynx delivered a comprehensive performance on Thursday night, securing a 100-72 victory over the Toronto Tempo in a WNBA contest that highlighted the growing gap between established franchises and expansion sides. Reserve player Maya Caldwell spearheaded a balanced offensive attack for Minnesota, leading all scorers with 16 points. The result marks the most significant defeat in the short history of the expansion Tempo, who fell to a 3-3 record following two consecutive wins.
Minnesota’s victory was characterised by widespread scoring contributions rather than reliance on a single star. Beyond Caldwell’s 16 points, Courtney Williams added 15, while rookie Olivia Miles contributed 14. Natasha Howard and Kayla McBride each scored 13 points, illustrating the depth of the Lynx roster. The team’s shooting efficiency was notable, with Minnesota converting 55 per cent of their field goals and hitting 10 of 24 attempts from behind the arc.
In contrast, the Toronto Tempo struggled to replicate the form that had seen them win their previous two games by narrow margins of three and four points. Kia Nurse led the Tempo with 23 points off the bench, and rookie Kiki Rice added 11. However, key scorers Brittney Sykes and Marina Mabrey were held to just nine points each, a stark decline from their combined 60-plus points in a recent victory over Phoenix. Both players picked up two fouls in the first quarter, disrupting their rhythm early in the contest.
Defensive metrics further underscored Minnesota’s control of the game. The Lynx secured a 46-25 advantage on the boards and outscored the Tempo 42-24 in the paint. Toronto’s shooting efficiency was significantly lower, converting only 34 per cent of their field goals and 29 per cent from three-point range, despite making 12 long-range attempts. The Lynx established a commanding 27-14 lead after the first quarter and extended their advantage to 53-32 at halftime.
The disparity in performance continued into the second half, with Minnesota stretching their lead to 76-50 after three quarters. The loss serves as a pivotal moment for the Tempo, who now face a challenging schedule. They will look to bounce back when they host fellow expansion team Portland on Saturday.
