Connecticut Sun 82, Toronto Tempo 74: Griner Shines in Physical Cup Clash

The Connecticut Sun emerged victorious in a gritty 82-74 road win over the Toronto Tempo in the 2026 WNBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday. Anchored by the dominant interior presence of Brittney Griner, the Sun weathered a fast-paced Toronto attack to secure a crucial group stage victory at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.

Griner was the difference-maker, finishing with 14.8 points and 5.2 rebounds while swatting key shots and anchoring Connecticut’s interior defense. Her shot-blocking radius disrupted Toronto’s transition game, allowing the Sun to control the paint and limit second-chance opportunities. Aneesah Morrow added 13.5 points and 10.2 rebounds, proving once again why she is one of the league’s most reliable double-double threats.

Toronto’s Marina Mabrey led the Tempo with a team-high 19.5 points, showcasing her scoring versatility and ability to ignite Toronto’s perimeter attack. Brittney Sykes chipped in with 17.8 points and 4.0 assists, using her two-way guard play to pressure Connecticut’s backcourt and spark transition opportunities. However, the Sun’s veteran size and experience proved too much for the upstart Tempo to overcome in the closing minutes.

The game featured a high-octane matchup of styles, with Toronto’s transition offense clashing against Connecticut’s physical half-court defense. The Sun held a 44-36 rebounding edge, a critical stat in a game where second-chance points and interior control determined the outcome. Connecticut’s defense forced 12 turnovers, while Toronto struggled to maintain consistency on the offensive glass, especially in the fourth quarter.

Oddsmakers had Connecticut as a 4.5-point favorite entering the game, and the final score reflected that assessment. The Sun’s late-game execution and Griner’s dominance down low were the deciding factors in a tightly contested matchup. The Tempo, despite the loss, showed flashes of their potential and will look to build on this effort as the Commissioner’s Cup continues.

The Sun improve to 12-6 on the season, while the Tempo fall to 7-11. Both teams remain in the thick of the Eastern Conference race, with the Sun looking to maintain their playoff positioning and the Tempo aiming to find consistency in their inaugural season.

Up next for Connecticut is a home matchup against the New York Liberty on Saturday, while Toronto will look to bounce back with a road game against the Washington Mystics on Sunday.