A guard for Canada's first WNBA franchise just matched the highest scoring output in league history. Marina Mabrey of the Toronto Tempo poured in 53 points against the Los Angeles Sparks, tying the record held by A'ja Wilson and Liz Cambage. The Tempo won 125-97 on their home court in Toronto, Canada.
A shooting display that left little doubt
Mabrey needed only three quarters to reach the milestone. She sat out the fourth period with her team already ahead by 28 points. Her stat line included 17 made field goals, 10 three pointers, and 9 free throws. She also grabbed 5 rebounds and dished 5 assists. The crowd in Toronto rose to its feet as the final seconds of the third quarter ticked away.
Why this game mattered to Toronto fans
The Tempo are in their inaugural WNBA season, having tipped off for the first time in May 2026. The franchise brought top tier women's basketball back to Canada after a decades long absence. Local fans have packed the arena all season, eager to support a home team in a league that had never before placed a team outside the United States. Mabrey's record tying performance gave those fans a historic moment to witness in person.
What happened on the court
Mabrey started hot and never cooled off. She hit her first four three point attempts and kept attacking the rim when defenders closed out. The Sparks tried switching defenders and sending double teams, but nothing slowed her down. By halftime she had 31 points. Teammates fed her the ball in rhythm, and the Tempo offense flowed through her without forcing shots. The final margin of 28 points reflected a complete team performance, but Mabrey's individual output stole the spotlight.
A record shared by three players
The 53 point mark now belongs to three women. Liz Cambage first set it in 2018 while playing for the Dallas Wings. A'ja Wilson tied it in 2023 as a member of the Las Vegas Aces. Mabrey became the third player to reach that total. No one has ever scored more than 53 points in a WNBA game. The record has stood for eight years and now has another name attached to it.
The significance of a Canadian milestone
Mabrey is an American player who chose to sign with Toronto as a free agent before the 2026 season. Her decision to join an expansion team in another country added to the narrative of the WNBA's growth. The Tempo have drawn strong crowds and competitive attention in their first months of existence. A record tying performance on Canadian soil reinforces the league's decision to expand beyond U.S. borders. The moment belongs to the player, the team, and the country that welcomed them.
