SportsBasketball

Set The Tempo

Tyler Conium

Set The Tempo with Tyler Conium is a podcast dedicated to the Toronto Tempo and the rise of women’s basketball in Canada. Fresh episodes after every game day, featuring game recaps, player performances, coaching decisions, and league-wide storylines that matter. Smart analysis. Real conversation. A Toronto perspective. This is where the Tempo begins.

thesqueezes.substack.com

Play

Open in

31 episodes
Avg 10 min
English

Episodes 31

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Tuesday · 12 min
Set The Tempo: WNBA Draft Lottery Preview + Can Toronto Tempo Land JuJu Watkins?
The biggest night of the Toronto Tempo offseason is almost here. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium previews the upcoming WNBA Draft Lottery, where Toronto enters tied with Houston for the best odds at landing the No. 1 overall pick — and potentially the chance to draft JuJu Watkins. Tyler will also be live on YouTube Sunday night to watch and react to the lottery with Tempo fans. Pasted text(20261110-134937) Toronto and Houston each enter with 32.9% odds at the top pick, with Washington, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles and Phoenix also involved in the lottery picture. Pasted text(20261110-134937) Tyler also reacts to the Golden State Valkyries winning the WNBA championship in just their second season, asks whether Toronto could follow a similar path in year two, and previews the 2027 Unrivaled rosters featuring several Tempo players. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
October 21 · 11 min
Set The Tempo: Kiki Rice Makes All-Rookie First Team + WNBA Finals Reaction
Kiki Rice gets her flowers. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Kiki Rice being named to the WNBA All-Rookie First Team, a well-earned honor after an impressive first season with the Toronto Tempo. 1021 (3)(1) Tyler also breaks down the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, including Angel Reese’s dominant Game 2 performance, the swing-game importance of Game 3, and why this series feels completely up for grabs. There is also some Toronto basketball crossover, with the Raptors opening their NBA season and Kawhi Leonard back in Toronto — but the main WNBA story is clear: Kiki Rice is officially one of the league’s best rookies, and the Finals have been excellent. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
October 7 · 13 min
Set The Tempo: WNBA Playoff Chaos + Inside Toronto Tempo’s New Docuseries
The Toronto Tempo offseason continues — but the WNBA is anything but quiet. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to a wild start to the WNBA Playoffs, questions the league’s postseason scheduling, and breaks down Toronto’s Setting the Tempo docuseries, which gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the expansion franchise was built. Pasted text From the Liberty eliminating Minnesota and the Aces knocking out Indiana to Golden State and Atlanta making serious noise, the playoff field has already produced some major surprises. Then Tyler shifts back to Toronto and shares his biggest takeaways from the documentary — including how the Tempo handled the name and logo leak, recruited Sandy Brondello and Brittney Sykes, and why Kiki Rice was apparently their target all along in the WNBA Draft. What’s Coming on Set The Tempo? * WNBA playoff coverage * Toronto Tempo offseason news * Mock drafts * WNBA Draft Lottery discussion * College basketball prospects * Potential WNBA card breaks * Trades, free agency and roster construction 🎧 New offseason episodes of Set The Tempo every Tuesday📲 Follow @TylerConium Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
September 29 · 24 min
Set The Tempo: Toronto Tempo 2026 Season Grades | Kiki Rice & Marina Mabrey Earn A’s
The inaugural Toronto Tempo season is in the books. Now it’s time to hand out the report cards. In the first offseason episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium grades the 2026 Toronto Tempo as a team and every player who finished the season on the roster, breaking down the highs, disappointments, surprises and biggest building blocks heading into year two. Pasted text Toronto finished 11-33, but an expansion season defined by injuries, travel and adversity still produced a legitimate core, a first-ever All-Star and one of the most promising rookies in the WNBA. Tyler gives the team an overall B-, weighing the difficult record against the circumstances and the foundation Toronto established. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
September 25 · 11 min
Set The Tempo Season Finale: Kiki Rice Drops Career-High 28 as Toronto Tempo Secure Top WNBA Draft Lottery Odds
That’s a wrap on year one. The Toronto Tempo’s inaugural WNBA season is officially over following their final game against the Connecticut Sun — and despite the difficult ending, Toronto walks into the offseason with plenty to be excited about. Pasted text In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium breaks down the season finale, a career-high 28-point performance from rookie Kiki Rice, and what the result means for Toronto’s chances of landing the No. 1 pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft. Toronto finishes tied with Connecticut for the best odds in the draft lottery at 29.5%, giving the Tempo a legitimate shot at potentially adding an elite prospect to a young core already featuring Rice, Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, Aneesah Morrow and Nyara Sabally. But this episode is also about taking stock of year one: the historic moments, the injuries, the breakout performances, the connection Toronto has built with its new WNBA team — and why year two could look very different. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
September 23 · 7 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Fall to Chicago 97-85 | Season Finale Has Huge Draft Lottery Stakes
It all comes down to one game. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to the Toronto Tempo’s 97-85 loss to the Chicago Sky, setting up a fascinating finale against the Connecticut Sun with major WNBA Draft Lottery implications. Toronto was tied at halftime before another damaging quarter changed the game. This time it was a 28-11 third quarter, continuing a season-long pattern of one bad stretch undoing otherwise competitive performances. There were still positives. Izzy Harrison posted 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Laura Yuskaitė continued her breakout finish with 20 points. But now the focus shifts entirely to Connecticut. If the Sun beat Toronto in the final game, the two teams would finish tied for the best odds in the WNBA Draft Lottery. If Toronto wins, the Tempo would finish with the second-best odds. One game. One final postgame show. And potentially a major swing in the future of the franchise. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
September 20 · 6 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Crushed by Liberty 106-69 | Home Finale Ends Ugly
That is a wrap on the Toronto Tempo’s inaugural home schedule — and unfortunately, it ended with one of their ugliest losses of the season. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s 106-69 loss to the New York Liberty at Coca-Cola Coliseum. The Liberty dominated offensively behind Breanna Stewart’s 27 points, while Toronto struggled badly from the field and from three. The biggest bright spot was Laura Yuskaitė, who delivered a career-high 28 points, while Kiki Rice added 19 points and 5 assists. Toronto is now 11-31, has lost six straight and 18 of its last 19 games, with only two contests remaining in the inaugural season. At this point, the focus is squarely on development, the future core, and the WNBA Draft Lottery. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
September 19 · 9 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Fall to Fever 103-85 | Three Games Left & Lottery Stakes Rise
Welcome back, Tempo fans. The WNBA is back — and the Toronto Tempo have only three games left in their inaugural season. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s 103-85 loss to the Indiana Fever following the extended FIBA break. The final score looks lopsided, but Toronto stayed competitive for three quarters despite playing without Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, Aneesah Morrow, Nyara Sabally and Maria Conde. The game finally got away from the Tempo in the fourth. Meanwhile, Kelsey Mitchell made WNBA history, Caitlin Clark produced a monster performance, Kiki Rice continued to show why she is one of Toronto’s most important building blocks, and the race for the best odds in the 2027 WNBA Draft Lottery became even more interesting. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 29 · 9 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Rolled by Aces 93-73 as FIBA Absences Hit Hard
The Toronto Tempo are simply trying to survive. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s 93-73 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, the second-last game before the WNBA’s two-week FIBA break. The result was not pretty, but the context matters: Toronto was without six regular players due to injuries and FIBA departures, including Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, Aneesah Morrow, Nyara Sabally, Julie Allemand and Maria Conde. That is essentially an entire starting lineup missing against one of the best teams in the WNBA. Still, there were a few positives, including another strong night from Laura Yuskaitė, a solid showing from Kiana Williams on an emergency deal, and a balanced minute distribution as the Tempo try to get through the back-to-back before the break. 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo at Phoenix Mercury🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game and during the FIBA break 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The roster is depleted, the schedule is brutal, but the Tempo keep battling Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 27 · 9 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Kiki Rice Scores Career High as Toronto Tempo Fall to Seattle Storm
This might be the best-case scenario for the Toronto Tempo down the stretch. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s 90-78 loss to the Seattle Storm, their second straight defeat after snapping a 12-game losing streak in Vancouver. But this loss came with one massive positive: Kiki Rice set a new career high with 24 points, adding 5 assists, 3 rebounds and a steal in one of the most encouraging performances of her rookie season. With Brittney Sykes, Marina Mabrey, Aneesah Morrow, Nyara Sabally and Julie Allemand all unavailable or leaving for FIBA duty, the Tempo are running out a heavily depleted roster. Still, Rice, Izzy Harrison and Laura Yuskaitė gave fans exactly what they should want to see late in the season: development, production and competitive effort — while Toronto’s draft lottery positioning remains strong. 🚨 In this episode: 📉 Tempo Fall to Seattle * Toronto loses 90-78 to the Storm * Tempo have lost two straight after beating Portland * Seattle improves to 8-31 * Toronto continues to sit near the top of the WNBA Draft Lottery picture 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo at Las Vegas Aces🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game and during the FIBA break 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 Kiki Rice looks like the future — and the draft lottery watch is officially on Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 24 · 8 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Fall to Aces 88-78 as Sykes & Morrow Ruled Out for Season
The winning streak is over — and the injury list somehow got worse. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to the Toronto Tempo’s 88-78 loss to the Las Vegas Aces in Vancouver, a competitive 10-point defeat against the defending champions and one of the greatest players in WNBA history, A’ja Wilson. All things considered, Toronto battled. But the bigger story is the devastating injury update: Brittney Sykes and Aneesah Morrow will miss the remainder of the season, while Marina Mabrey’s return remains uncertain and Julie Allemand left this game with a possible concussion. With seven games left, the Tempo are simply trying to survive the season — while still playing hard under Sandy Brondello and looking ahead to the WNBA Draft Lottery. 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo at Seattle Storm🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The season is brutal, but the Tempo are still playing hard Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 22 · 9 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Snap 12-Game Losing Streak vs Portland Fire!
The streak is over. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to the Toronto Tempo’s 82-79 win over the Portland Fire in Vancouver, snapping a painful 12-game losing streak and giving the franchise its first victory in roughly six weeks. Toronto was shorthanded again — and got even more banged up during the game — but still found a way to beat its expansion counterpart behind a massive performance from Izzy Harrison, another strong night from Kiki Rice, and a resilient effort from a roster missing multiple key pieces. But because this is the 2026 Tempo season, there is always a catch: Brittney Sykes left after just 1:31 with a foot injury, while Aneesah Morrow exited after 7:10 with a knee injury. A win, yes. But another stressful night on the injury front. 🚨 In this episode: 🎉 Losing Streak Is Over * Toronto beats Portland 82-79 * Tempo improve to 11-25 * 12-game losing streak finally ends * First win in roughly six weeks * Huge moment for the team and fans in Vancouver 💪 Izzy Harrison Leads the Way * 25 points * 10 rebounds * 9-of-10 from the free throw line * Two massive late free throws to help seal the win * One of her best games of the season 👀 Kiki Rice Keeps Growing * 19 points * 4 assists 🏥 Injuries Strike Again * Brittney Sykes leaves after 1:31 with a foot injury * Aneesah Morrow leaves after 7:10 with a knee injury 🧱 Shorthanded Win Toronto essentially played most of the game without: * Marina Mabrey * Brittney Sykes * Aneesah Morrow * Maria Conde * Nyara Sabally And still found a way to win. 📈 Other Tempo Contributors * Laura Yuskaitė: 15 points, 7 rebounds * Julie Allemand: 5 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks 🇨🇦 Bridget Carleton Leads Portland * Carleton scores 18 points * Adds 4 rebounds and 2 assists 📊 How Toronto Won * Down 24-16 after the first quarter * Responded with 28 points in the second 🎰 Draft Lottery Still Matters * Win does not dramatically change Toronto’s lottery position * Tempo still likely locked into the second-best odds ⏳ Next Up: Las Vegas Aces in Vancouver * Tempo stay in Vancouver * A’ja Wilson and the Aces come next 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Las Vegas Aces in Vancouver🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The streak is over — now the injury watch continues Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 21 · 11 min
Set The Tempo State of the Franchise: Toronto Tempo Eliminated From Playoffs + 2027 WNBA Draft Outlook
The Toronto Tempo’s inaugural season will not include playoff basketball. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium steps away from the usual postgame format for a full state of the franchise episode after the Tempo were officially eliminated from playoff contention following their loss to the Washington Mystics. Toronto sits at 10-25, the third-worst record in the WNBA, after once hovering around .500 earlier in the season. But this season has never been easy to evaluate because the Tempo have dealt with injuries all year long, never once having a clean injury report. Tyler breaks down what went wrong, what still went right, who is part of the future core, and why the 2027 WNBA Draft Lottery could completely change the direction of this franchise. 🚨 In this episode: 📉 Tempo Eliminated From Playoff Contention * Toronto officially eliminated after the Washington Mystics loss * Tempo fall to 10-25 * First time in Sandy Brondello’s coaching career missing the playoffs * A season that once had playoff hope now shifts to development and draft talk * ⭐ 2027 WNBA Draft Names to Know * JuJu Watkins, USC * Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame * Madison Booker, Texas Tyler breaks down why any of those three could instantly change the future of the Toronto Tempo. 🇨🇦 WNBA in Canada * Tempo have played across Toronto, Montreal and now Vancouver * The franchise continues spreading the WNBA across Canada * Even without playoffs, the first season still matters for building the fanbase 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Portland Fire in Vancouver🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game and major Tempo news 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The playoffs are gone, but the future of the Toronto Tempo is getting fascinating Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 19 · 13 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Brittney Sykes Returns as Toronto Tempo Fall Just Short vs Fever
That one was right there. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to the Toronto Tempo’s 101-95 loss to the Indiana Fever at Scotiabank Arena — a game that delivered plenty of moral victories, even if the losing streak continues. The Tempo nearly pulled off the upset against one of the WNBA’s hottest teams, powered by Marina Mabrey’s 22 points, the long-awaited return of Brittney Sykes, and a massive home debut from Aneesah Morrow, who finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds. Toronto still dug itself an early hole with another rough first quarter, but the fight, energy and late-game push were all major positives — especially with Julie Allemand, Maria Conde and Nyara Sabally out of the lineup. 🚨 In this episode: 💔 Tempo Fall Just Short * Toronto loses 101-95 to Indiana * Tempo nearly complete a late comeback * Scotiabank Arena gets a strong, competitive game * Another loss, but one with more positives than negatives 🙌 Brittney Sykes Returns * Sykes plays for the first time since her foot injury * 15 points 🧱 Aneesah Morrow Owns the Glass * 14 points * 16 rebounds * 7 offensive rebound 🔥 Marina Mabrey Keeps Cooking * 22 points * Hit back-to-back threes in the third quarter 👀 Kiki Rice Holds Her Own * 10 points * 6 assists 💪 Frontcourt Steps Up * Temi Fagbenle scores 13 on 5-of-6 shooting * Izzy Harrison adds 8 points and 7 rebounds 📉 One Bad Quarter Again * Indiana starts 13-4 * Fever score 33 points in the first quarter 🌟 Kelsey Mitchell Sets the Tone * 29 points in just 24 minutes * Sets a record with 20 straight games of 20+ points 🏀 Caitlin Clark, Fever & the Big Crowd * Clark finishes with 24 points and 7 assists 🐢🐇 Tempo Mascots Revealed * Toronto finally announces two mascots * Dot: an Arctic hare * Dez: a snapping turtle from Muskoka ⏳ Next Up: Washington Mystics * Quick turnaround on the road 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo at Washington Mystics🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 Sykes is back, Morrow is rebounding, and the Tempo finally gave fans something to cheer about Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 13 · 9 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Fall Just Short vs Dallas as Losing Streak Hits 10
That was the one. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to the Toronto Tempo’s 94-88 loss to the Dallas Wings, a game that felt like it could finally break the losing streak — until it slipped away late. Toronto has now lost 10 straight games, but this was one of the more competitive losses of the recent stretch. The Tempo fought back after a rough first quarter, got strong offensive contributions from Marina Mabrey, Laura Yuskaitė and Kia Nurse, and kept Dallas within reach despite being without Julie Allemand and Maria Conde. But the biggest concern came late: Kiki Rice left with a left ankle injury. The good news? It did not appear as serious as her previous ankle injury, and she returned to the bench. 🚨 In this episode: 💔 Tempo Lose 10th Straight * Toronto falls 94-88 in Dallas * Losing streak reaches 10 games * Tempo drop to 10-23 * Game was there for the taking before Dallas closed it out 😬 Kiki Rice Injury Scare * Rice leaves with a left ankle injury * Did not return to the game 🌟 Paige Bueckers Takes Over * Scoreless at halftime * Finishes with 22 points 🔥 Marina Mabrey Keeps Attacking * Found her shooting stroke again * Got to the free throw line seven times 💪 Tempo Bright Spots * Laura Yuskaitė scores 18 and adds 7 rebounds * Izzy Harrison grabs 10 rebounds in the start 📉 One Quarter Hurts Again * Toronto loses the first quarter 27-17 * Tempo won the second and fourth quarters 🚨 Turnovers & Free Throws * Toronto commits 16 turnovers * Dallas commits only 9 🧩 Aneesah Morrow Minutes Watch * Morrow plays 21 minutes * Tyler wonders if she is still dealing with something physically ⏳ Next Up: Indiana Fever at Scotiabank * Toronto gets five days off * Fever come to Scotiabank Arena 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Indiana Fever at Scotiabank Arena🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The streak continues — but Toronto finally has a game to build from Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 11 · 7 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Marina Mabrey Drops 36 as Toronto Tempo Lose 9th Straight to Dream
The losing streak hits nine, but this one had more positives than the last few. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s 107-95 loss to the Atlanta Dream, as the Tempo fall to 10-22 and Atlanta completes the season-series sweep. Toronto showed real offensive life behind a huge 36-point performance from Marina Mabrey, a strong all-around game from Kiki Rice, and another double-double from Nyara Sabally. But the defense was once again the issue, with Atlanta scoring 107 points and getting 20-plus from Angel Reese, Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard. With the playoffs essentially gone, Tyler looks at what matters most down the stretch: getting healthy, seeing the future core together, and finally getting Brittney Sykes back on the floor. 🚨 In this episode: 😬 Tempo Lose 9th Straight * Toronto falls 107-95 to Atlanta * Tempo drop to 10-22 * Atlanta sweeps the season series * Toronto has now lost nine straight games 🔥 Marina Mabrey Bounces Back * 36 points * 12-of-19 from the field * 7-of-13 from three * 5 free throw attempts * Looked healthier after two rough games 👀 Kiki Rice Looks Like Kiki Again * 18 points * 5 rebounds * 6 assists * 7-of-11 shooting * Played 30 minutes * Starting to round back into form after the ankle injury 💪 Nyara Sabally Double-Double * 12 points * 12 rebounds * 3 assists * 4 steals * Showing the version of Sabally Toronto hoped to see consistently 📉 Defense Costs Toronto Again * Atlanta scores 107 points * Sandy Brondello: 95 points should usually be enough to win * Poor energy and poor transition defense * Tempo could not contain Atlanta’s top scorers 🧱 Second Quarter Swing * Toronto trailed by only two after the first * Atlanta wins the second quarter 30-17 * Tempo won the third and fourth quarters, but the second quarter created the gap * Another game decided by one disastrous stretch 🏥 Brittney Sykes Update * Sykes has been out since June 16 * Missed nearly two months with a plantar fascia injury * Has progressed to half-court practice * No official return date yet, but Tyler believes she will be back this season 🧩 Future Core Watch Tyler wants to finally see this group healthy together: * Kiki Rice * Marina Mabrey * Brittney Sykes * Aneesah Morrow * Nyara Sabally That lineup may tell Toronto more than lottery positioning alone. 🧠 Draft Lottery vs Health * Toronto remains near the top of the WNBA lottery picture * JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo and Madison Booker remain the big draft names * Tyler would rather see the Tempo healthy than chase losses * Even falling out of the top three still leaves lottery upside ⏳ Next Up: Dallas Wings * Toronto faces Dallas tomorrow * A loss would make it 10 straight * Last matchup with Dallas went down to the wire * Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd remain must-watch players 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Dallas Wings🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The streak is ugly, but the future core is finally getting closer Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 7 · 10 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Lose 8th Straight vs Portland Fire | Effort Questions Grow
It is getting ugly in the Big Smoke. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to the Toronto Tempo’s 97-83 loss to the Portland Fire, their eighth straight defeat and 12th loss in the last 13 games. Unlike many recent losses, this one cannot simply be blamed on injuries. Brittney Sykes was the only Tempo player listed on the injury report, but Toronto still came out flat, turned the ball over, struggled defensively, missed free throws, and spent much of the night trailing by 20 or more. With just 13 games left in the inaugural season, the conversation is shifting from playoff hope to effort, development, roster evaluation, and what Toronto needs to learn before year two. 🚨 In this episode: 😬 Tempo Lose 8th Straight * Toronto falls 97-83 to Portland * Tempo drop to 10-21 * Toronto has lost 12 of its last 13 games * Portland wins the expansion-team battle 🚨 Effort Becomes the Story * Tyler says this was one of the first games where the Tempo simply did not look engaged * Julie Allemand called the team “passive” after the game 📉 Turnovers & Shooting Problems Continue * Toronto commits 17 turnovers * Tempo shoot 9-of-31 from three 😕 Marina Mabrey Struggles Again * 9 points * 3-of-9 from the field * 3-of-8 from three 🧠 Julie Allemand Plays Well * 11 points * 12 assists 💪 Aneesah Morrow Brings Rebounding * 11 points * 8 rebounds 🔁 Development Mode Has Arrived * Toronto is no longer realistically playing for the playoffs ⏳ Next Up: Atlanta Dream * Toronto gets three days off 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo at Atlanta Dream🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The season is not over — but the focus has changed Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 5 · 8 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Aneesah Morrow Debuts as Toronto Tempo Lose 7th Straight
No cold open needed for this one. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to the Toronto Tempo’s 92-81 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, their seventh straight defeat and second straight loss to Golden State. It was not all bad — Aneesah Morrow made her Toronto Tempo debut, Nyara Sabally led the way with 21 points, and Maria Conde bounced back from deep — but the same issues showed up again: fourth-quarter fatigue, rebounding problems, turnovers, and an offense that still cannot sustain itself for 40 minutes. With Toronto now 10 games under .500 and 14 games left, the conversation shifts from chasing the playoffs to evaluating the roster, developing the young pieces, and figuring out who belongs in the Tempo’s future core. 🚨 In this episode: 😬 Tempo Lose 7th Straight * Toronto falls 92-81 to Golden State * Seventh straight loss * Tempo have now lost 11 of their last 12 games * Second straight loss to the Valkyries 👀 Aneesah Morrow Debuts * Morrow plays 16 minutes off the bench * Scores 8 points 🔥 Nyara Sabally Leads Toronto * 21 points * 6 rebounds 📈 Maria Conde Bounces Back * 5-of-10 from three * Strong response after a rough shooting game last time out 😕 Marina Mabrey Returns, But Looks Rusty * First game back from neck injury * 12 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds 🧠 Julie Allemand Does the Little Things * 7 points * 8 assists * 4 steals 📉 Same Problems Again * Golden State closes the first half on a 16-4 run * Toronto gets out-rebounded by 13 🌟 Janelle Salaün Keeps Burning Toronto * 21 points off the bench * 61 total points in three games vs the Tempo this season 🔁 Development Over Tanking * Tyler clarifies what “talking tank” means * Not benching everyone or giving up ⏳ Next Up: Portland Fire * Toronto faces the Portland Fire next * Portland beat Toronto 99-80 earlier this season 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Portland Fire🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The wins are gone for now — but the future evaluation starts now Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
August 3 · 9 min
Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Fall to Valkyries 96-79 | Is It Time to Talk Tank?
Is it time to talk tank? In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s 96-79 loss to the Golden State Valkyries, another tough result that drops the Tempo to 10-19 on the season. Toronto played without Marina Mabrey and newly acquired Aneesah Morrow, while Brittney Sykes remains out. Despite that, the Tempo were competitive through three quarters and even briefly took the lead before running out of gas again in the fourth. The bigger conversation now: with the playoffs nearly out of reach and Toronto sitting near the top of the WNBA draft lottery odds, what should the rest of the season be about? 🚨 In this episode: 😬 Tempo Lose Again * Toronto falls 96-79 to Golden State * Tempo drop to 10-19 * Sixth straight loss * Golden State pulls away with a 29-18 fourth quarter 🏥 Missing Mabrey & Morrow * Marina Mabrey misses the game * Aneesah Morrow does not make her debut yet 👀 Kiki Rice Looks Better * 16 points * 5 rebounds 💪 Nyara Sabally Leads the Way * 19 points * 8 rebounds 📉 Three-Point Shooting Kills Toronto * Tempo shoot 7-of-30 from three * Maria Conde goes 0-of-7 😩 Fourth Quarter Fade Again * Tempo were down just one at halftime * Toronto briefly took the lead in the third 🧱 Rebounding Positive * Toronto outrebounds Golden State 34-26 * Encouraging sign before Aneesah Morrow enters the lineup 🧠 Draft Lottery Talk Begins * Toronto sits third in the Tankathon lottery picture * Connecticut, Chicago/Washington, Toronto and Portland are in the mix 📈 What’s Left to Watch? * Kiki Rice development * Aneesah Morrow’s debut and fit 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo at Golden State Valkyries🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The playoffs may be slipping, but the future is getting very interesting Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript
July 31 · 4 min
Tempo Trade Alert: Toronto Tempo Acquire Aneesah Morrow From Connecticut Sun
Breaking news, Tempo fans. In this emergency episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to the Toronto Tempo making their first in-season trade, acquiring Aneesah Morrow from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for the rights to Maria Klenjakova and a 2028 second-round pick. Toronto needed rebounding. Toronto needed frontcourt help. Toronto needed a young, controllable piece to pair with Kiki Rice, Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes. They may have just found exactly that. Morrow, the former seventh overall pick, immediately becomes one of the most important players on the Tempo roster and gives Toronto the rebounding presence they have been missing all season. 🚨 In this episode: 🚨 Toronto Makes Its First In-Season Trade * Tempo acquire Aneesah Morrow from Connecticut * Toronto sends out Maria Klenjakova’s rights and a 2028 second-round pick * No current roster player moved * Tempo keep their 2027 first-round pick 💪 Aneesah Morrow Fits Toronto’s Biggest Need * Averaging 11.5 points * Averaging 9 rebounds * Adds passing, steals and physicality * Immediately becomes Toronto’s best rebounder 🧱 Rebounding Help Has Arrived * Rebounding has been Toronto’s biggest issue all season * Morrow gives the Tempo a physical frontcourt presence * Helps take pressure off Izzy Harrison, Nyara Sabally and Temi Fagbenle * Allows Maria Conde to move back into a more natural role 🔥 Reunited With Marina Mabrey * Morrow played with Marina Mabrey last season in Connecticut * Existing chemistry could help the transition * Gives Mabrey another reliable frontcourt option * Helps build a more defined offensive core 📈 Young, Controlled Contract * Rookie-scale contract * Affordable cap hit * Club option for 2028 * Restricted free agency in 2029 * Exactly the type of team-controlled player an expansion franchise should target 🧠 Tempo Keep Their 2027 First * Toronto avoids moving a pick in a deep 2027 draft * Deal only costs a 2028 second-rounder * Smart value play instead of forcing a bigger move * Tyler explains why this is a “pennies on the dollar” acquisition 👀 New Core Forming? * Kiki Rice * Marina Mabrey * Brittney Sykes * Aneesah Morrow That is starting to look like a real foundation. 🔁 Is This the First Domino? * Does Morrow become an immediate starter? * What happens with Sabally, Harrison and Fagbenle? * Does Maria Conde move back to the bench? * Could Toronto still pursue another frontcourt move? 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo at Golden State Valkyries🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game and major Tempo news 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The Tempo finally added rebounding — and they did it without touching their core Let’s Set The Tempo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesqueezes.substack.com
- Transcript

Showing 1–20 of 31 episodes