Toronto Tempo's WNBA debut ends in heartbreak — Mystics 68, Tempo 65

Toronto's first WNBA game in franchise history was decided in the final 30 seconds. The Tempo lost it.

Marina Mabrey led Toronto with 27 points and hit a clutch free throw that briefly put the Tempo ahead late in the fourth. Then Shakira Austin took over for Washington — four free throws down the stretch, and a Mystics defense that finally found its feet. Final: Mystics 68, Tempo 65.

It's the kind of opening loss that stings worse than a blowout. Toronto walked into a sold-out building with new colors, a new roster, the WNBA's first Canadian franchise — and walked out one possession short. Mabrey's 27 came on efficient shooting and showed that Toronto is going to be a problem on offense. The defense, on a roster still figuring out how to play together, is the open question.

The Mystics are 1-0 in a season most expect to be a rebuild. Sonia Citron, Brittney Sykes, and Austin all contributed. The Tempo go home, regroup, and get the Liberty next. Welcome to the W, Canada. The first one always hurts.