Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey etched her name into the WNBA record books on Thursday night, delivering an extraordinary 53-point performance against the Los Angeles Sparks. This remarkable scoring output tied the league's single-game record, a feat previously achieved by only two other players: A’ja Wilson and Liz Cambage. Mabrey's historic night propelled her team to a commanding 125-94 victory.
Beyond Mabrey's individual brilliance, which included nine successful shots from beyond the arc, the Tempo also made franchise and league history. Their 125 points represented the highest score ever recorded in a regulation WNBA game. While the Phoenix Mercury did net 127 points in 2010, that contest extended into double overtime.
Mabrey's Dominant Scoring Run
Mabrey displayed an exceptional shooting touch from the outset, accumulating 27 points by halftime. Her momentum continued into the third quarter, where she added another 12 points, bringing her total to an impressive 39 entering the final period. As the Tempo established a significant lead, the team's strategy shifted, with teammates actively seeking out Mabrey to give her opportunities to surpass the existing WNBA scoring record. She responded by consistently sinking three-pointers, ultimately reaching the 53-point threshold to a roaring crowd.
With approximately two minutes remaining in the game, Mabrey had a chance to claim the record outright. Despite her efforts, her final two three-point attempts did not connect. She exited the game with just over a minute left, receiving a thunderous ovation and widespread applause from the appreciative crowd. Her Tempo teammates also celebrated with the veteran player, acknowledging her truly historic achievement.
A Special Family Moment
Adding another layer of significance to the evening was the presence of Mabrey's sister, Michaela, in the stands. The sisters had previously been teammates at Notre Dame, following their shared journey through the New Jersey girls' basketball scene. As the final buzzer sounded, Michaela rushed onto the court to embrace her sister in a touching scene, a moment undoubtedly cherished by the Mabrey family. In a post-game interview, Marina Mabrey shared that her sister rarely has the opportunity to watch her play, which made this particular game even more meaningful.
Teamwork and Inaugural Season Success
"None of this happens without my teammates. They really found me," Marina stated. "For a three-point shooter, you need your teammates to set screens and deliver the pass, and that’s what they did."
This remarkable individual effort comes during the Tempo's inaugural WNBA season, a team assembled through an expansion draft. Mabrey has proven to be a pivotal player for the new franchise, having previously set the team's single-game scoring record with 37 points just last week – a mark that now stands significantly higher.
Mabrey's complete stat line for the night included an impressive 17-of-28 shooting from the field, with 9-of-18 coming from three-point range, contributing to her 53 points. She also added six rebounds and two assists to her stellar performance.
