TORONTO (NET 25) — The Toronto Tempo hosted the Atlanta Dream, who entered the night atop the WNBA Eastern Conference standings. Despite trailing by just one point at halftime, the Tempo were unable to keep pace in the second half, falling 111-92.

Friday’s game marked Toronto’s 10th consecutive game without half of its starting backcourt, Brittney Sykes, who has been recovering from a plantar fascia injury suffered against the Indiana Fever on June 16.

While Toronto remained competitive through the opening two quarters, the second half once again exposed the challenges that have surfaced with player injuries.

Atlanta seized control early in the third quarter, opening the half on an 18-4 run that turned a one-possession game into a double-digit loss.

Toronto struggled on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Toronto was unable to slow Atlanta’s momentum while offensively, they struggled protecting the basketball, committing 20 turnovers that the Dream converted into 29 points.

When asked about what transpired going into the second half, Toronto Head coach Sandy Brondello acknowledged it was turnovers that ultimately proved to be the difference.

"In the end, turnovers. We can't turn the ball over 20 times and let them score,” Brondello said. “We said that's one of their strengths. We've got to be tougher. They're aggressive, and we've just got to be better. We have to find ways to be better."

Toronto relied heavily on All-Star Marina Mabrey, who finished with 26 points while shooting 58.3 percent from the field and 50 percent from the three.

Atlanta’s star power and depth, however, proved why they sit atop the Eastern Conference.

All-Star reserves Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Angel Reese combined for 51 points, while Naz Hillmon added a career-high 24 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting night. Atlanta’s balanced attack against the Toronto encapsulated why the Dream continues to lead their conference.

For Toronto, the loss served as another reminder of the team’s gaps without Brittney Sykes. The Tempo have remained competitive in stretches, but sustaining that level over 40 minutes continues to be a hurdle as they head into the All-Star break.

(NET25)

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