Tempo’s sloppy play helps Dream post win

Toronto Tempo’s uncharacteristic sloppiness handed the Atlanta Dream a decisive victory in a 111-92 rout at the Coca-Cola Coliseum on Friday, July 17, 2026. The loss marked the sixth consecutive defeat for the Tempo, who struggled with turnovers and inconsistent play throughout the contest. Head coach Sandy Brondello expressed frustration with both the officiating and her team’s performance, particularly highlighting the impact of 20 turnovers that the Dream converted into 29 points. Brondello criticized the officiating trio, Tiara Cruse, Toni Patillo, and Sarah Williams, for making questionable calls that affected the tempo of the game. She claimed that players such as Marina Mabrey were physically impeded without being called for fouls. The coach acknowledged that her team often acts as its own worst enemy, adding that emotional responses to perceived injustices could disrupt focus. Despite the loss, Mabrey showed signs of returning to form, scoring a game-high 26 points. Her performance contrasted sharply with her previous outing against the Washington Mystics, where she managed only eight points. Meanwhile, center Temi Fagbenle made her long-awaited return after a 12-game absence due to a right shoulder injury and a concussion, though she appeared rusty in her debut back on the court. The game took a concerning turn late in the fourth quarter when forward Nyara Sabally suffered a hard collision with Dream center Angel Reese. Sabally was helped off the court after the incident and later confirmed to have sustained rib injuries. Brondello noted that the extent of the damage remained unclear, but hopes were high that the injury would not prove severe. Injuries continue to plague the Tempo roster, with Brittney Sykes sidelined due to a left-foot injury and Kiki Rice out with a left-ankle issue. These absences have forced the team to rely heavily on depth and resilience, which proved insufficient against the Dream’s disciplined execution. The Tempo entered the game having lost six of their past seven matches, and this latest defeat further solidified their position near the bottom of the league standings. Brondello emphasized the need for improved toughness and composure, noting that the team must avoid letting external factors, such as officiating decisions, affect their internal focus. The game began evenly, with the Tempo trailing by just one point at halftime. However, the Dream surged ahead early in the third quarter, capitalizing on the Tempo’s lack of cohesion. Brondello admitted that her team failed to lock in mentally during crucial moments, allowing the Dream to gain momentum and control the pace of the game. As the season progresses, the Tempo will face mounting pressure to address these issues. With key players sidelined and a struggling offense, the team must find solutions to stabilize its performance. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Brondello’s adjustments can lead to a turnaround in the coming weeks.