The Toronto Tempo are back in action on Wednesday night as they head to the Big Apple for a meeting against the New York Liberty.
Toronto (5-4) comes into the matchup riding a two-game winning streak after a pair of victories over the Chicago Sky and Seattle Storm last week.
In their most recent win over the Storm, rookie guard Kiki Rice shined with 17 points, six rebounds, and four steals in 28 minutes of action as the UCLA product continues to come into her own in the early part of the 2026 season.
Rice had been thrust into the starting lineup back on May 15 after a groin injury sent point guard Julie Allemand to the sidelines, and has run with the opportunity as Toronto’s floor general just nine games into her career.
Even with Allemand returning on Saturday, Brondello kept Rice in the starting lineup and was once again an integral part to the Tempo’s victory. Her season numbers are now up to 13.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
“When Julie got injured, it allowed [Rice] to have a bigger role, and she never took a backwards step,” Brondello added on the rookie. “It says a lot about her commitment to excellence and willingness to take on, and be a very focal point of this team, and how we want to play on both ends of the floor.”
Wednesday’s game will also serve as a homecoming for Brondello, who coached the Liberty from 2022-25.
During her tenure in New York, Brondello led the Liberty to two WNBA Finals appearances and the franchise’s first championship in 2024. She compiled a record of 123-64 during her four years in charge, but was let go following a first-round exit in 2025.
“I had four great years in New York, won a championship – the first one for the organization – so I have just really special memories from my time there,” Brondello said via TSN’s Tempo reporter Chelsea Leite.
“You’re not going to stay with one team your whole career. I’m excited to go back – the fans there are amazing and it’s a great atmosphere to play in. I’m excited to take the Tempo there. Hopefully we can continue to build.”
Led by their star trio of Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty have played to a 5-4 record on the year, and like the Tempo, will be chasing a third consecutive victory on Wednesday night.
New York has bounced back from a three-game slide with back-to-back wins over the lowly Phoenix Mercury and will look to keep things going as they welcome their former head coach and her new team to town.
