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

  1. Set The Tempo Postgame: Brittney Sykes Goes Down as Toronto Tempo Fall to Caitlin Clark & Fever!

    1d ago

    Set The Tempo Postgame: Brittney Sykes Goes Down as Toronto Tempo Fall to Caitlin Clark & Fever!

    This one felt bigger than the final score. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s 113-91 loss to the Indiana Fever — a game overshadowed by a scary non-contact injury to Brittney Sykes in the third quarter. The Tempo were competitive in the first half, trailing by just three at the break, but everything changed after Sykes went down. Indiana took control behind huge performances from Kelsey Mitchell, Caitlin Clark, Aaliyah Boston, and Sophie Cunningham, handing Toronto its third straight loss. Now the conversation shifts from one game to a much bigger question: What does this team do if Sykes misses extended time? 🚨 In this episode: 😟 Brittney Sykes Injury Concern * Sykes exits in the third quarter with a non-contact injury * No official update yet at the time of recording * Why this could be a turning-point moment for Toronto’s season * Sykes has been the heartbeat of the Tempo on both ends 😬 Toronto Drops Third Straight * Tempo lose 113-91 to Indiana * Toronto falls back to 7-8 * Third straight loss against stronger competition * Playoff hopes now facing a major test 🔥 Indiana’s Stars Take Over * Caitlin Clark: 21 points, 14 assists, 5 rebounds * Kelsey Mitchell: 27 points on 9-of-11 shooting * Aaliyah Boston: 18 points, 11 rebounds * Sophie Cunningham: 24 points, 6-of-7 from three Toronto simply had no answer. 🎯 Marina Mabrey’s Strong Night * 18 points * 7 assists * 2 steals and a block * Better shot profile with only five three-point attempts * One of the few real positives for Toronto 📈 Laura Yuskaitė Continues to Produce * 19 points * 8-of-11 shooting * 4 assists * One of Toronto’s most reliable players on the night 🚨 Injury Problems Are Piling Up * Kiki Rice still out * Nyara Sabally still out * Julie Allemand exits early with a headache * Brittney Sykes now injured * Toronto may be without several of its most important players 📉 Depth Concerns Are Getting Real * Kia Nurse minutes remain a concern * Temi Fagbenle still not producing consistently * Maria Conde struggles defensively * Expansion-team depth is being tested hard 🧠 Is It Time for “The Talk”? * Are the Tempo still a playoff team without Sykes? * Should Toronto consider roster cuts or moves? * Why trading draft picks would be risky for an expansion franchise * What the long-term plan should look like ⏳ Next Up: Connecticut Sun * Toronto gets Connecticut again * Last matchup was a 106-102 overtime win * But Sykes had 38 in that game * What does this team look like without her? 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Connecticut Sun🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 Hoping for the best for Slim 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

    17 min
  2. Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Crushed by Atlanta Dream | Izzy Harrison Ejected

    3d ago

    Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Crushed by Atlanta Dream | Izzy Harrison Ejected

    That one got ugly fast. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s rough 102-77 loss to the Atlanta Dream, a game that started with promise before completely slipping away. The Tempo jumped out to a 25-13 first-quarter lead, but Atlanta responded with a massive second quarter, took control, and never looked back. The biggest storyline?Izzy Harrison was ejected after a physical battle with Angel Reese, ending what had been one of the few bright spots for Toronto. 🚨 In this episode: 😬 Toronto Drops Second Straight * Tempo lose 102-77 at home * Toronto falls back to .500 * Ugly response after the buzzer-beater loss in Washington 🚨 Izzy Harrison Ejected * Harrison was battling Angel Reese all night * Finished with 17 points before getting tossed * Brought energy, toughness and frontcourt scoring * Why the ejection effectively ended Toronto’s chances 🔥 Atlanta’s Stars Took Over * Rhyne Howard: 24 points * Allisha Gray: 26 points * Angel Reese: 15 points, 17 rebounds * Jordan Canada: +30 with 9 assists This is what a true contender looks like. 📉 Mabrey & Sykes Struggle * Marina Mabrey: 9 points on 2-of-11 shooting * Brittney Sykes: 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting * Toronto’s offense stalled when the stars couldn’t carry it 🏀 Rebounding Problem Returns Again * Atlanta out-rebounded Toronto 54-37 * Dream grabbed 14 offensive boards * Angel Reese nearly had half as many rebounds as the entire Tempo team 🧠 Julie Allemand Shows Some Offense * Opened the game with a three * Finished with 13 points and 6 assists * One of her best offensive performances of the season 📉 Second Quarter Collapse * Toronto led by 12 after one * Atlanta won the second quarter 34-14 * Dream flipped the game with pace, threes and transition offense 🧱 Depth Issues Becoming Clear * No Kiki Rice * No Nyara Sabally * Bench production remains thin * Expansion team reality starting to show against elite opponents ⏳ Next Up: Indiana Fever * First matchup against Caitlin Clark * Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston also loom large * Another tough road test coming quickly * Toronto needs to find answers fast 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Indiana Fever🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The Tempo are still .500 — but the schedule is getting tougher 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

    15 min
  3. Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Lose at the Buzzer vs Mystics | Mabrey Leads 18-Point Comeback

    4d ago

    Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Lose at the Buzzer vs Mystics | Mabrey Leads 18-Point Comeback

    That one hurts. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s heartbreaking 86-85 loss to the Washington Mystics after Sonia Citron hit a last-second buzzer beater to steal the game. Toronto trailed by as many as 18 points, mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback, and briefly took the lead in the final seconds before Washington answered with the dagger. The Tempo showed resilience — but the bigger issue was inconsistency. 🚨 In this episode: 💔 Buzzer-Beater Heartbreak * Toronto loses 86-85 in Washington * Sonia Citron hits the game-winner * Tempo fall to 0-2 against the Mystics this season * Three-game winning streak slips away 🔥 Marina Mabrey Nearly Saves It * 27 points * 9-of-15 from the field * 5-of-10 from three * Took over late in the fourth quarter * Nearly stole the game with a massive comeback push 💪 Brittney Sykes Gives Toronto the Lead * 20 points on 50% shooting * Huge late layup gave Toronto a one-point lead * Continues to be one of Toronto’s most reliable closers 🏀 Rebounding Was the Difference * Washington out-rebounded Toronto 44-29 * Mystics grabbed 15 offensive rebounds * Toronto had only 5 offensive boards * Shakira Austin’s size was a major issue again 😬 Frontcourt Still Searching for Health * Niara Sabally out * Temi Fagbenle returns on a minutes restriction * Isabelle Harrison starts and fills the stat sheet * Toronto still hasn’t seen Harrison, Sabally and Fagbenle together 🧠 Julie Allemand Steadies the Offense * 9 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds * Team-high +15 * Why her value is not always obvious in the box score 📉 Inconsistency Remains the Theme * Tempo struggled for most of the game * Fell behind by 18 * Fourth-quarter fight was impressive, but avoidable * Toronto still needs to play a full 40 minutes 👶 Washington’s Young Core Shows Up * Lauren Betts scores 18 off the bench * Shakira Austin posts 12 points and 11 rebounds * Sonia Citron delivers the game-winner * Mystics depth and size created problems all night ⏳ Next Up: Atlanta Dream * Massive test coming at home * Atlanta brings elite rebounding and scoring * Angel Reese, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard all loom large * Tough schedule stretch begins now 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Atlanta Dream🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The Tempo are 7-6 — resilient, but still searching for consistency 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

    14 min
  4. Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Win FIRST Overtime Game | Brittney Sykes Ties Career High

    Jun 11

    Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Win FIRST Overtime Game | Brittney Sykes Ties Career High

    That was a rollercoaster. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s wild 106-102 overtime win over the Connecticut Sun — the first overtime victory in franchise history. It was not supposed to be that hard. After an ugly first half where Toronto struggled defensively, got hammered on the glass, and trailed by 11 at halftime, the Tempo found a way to claw back behind another massive performance from Brittney Sykes. Sykes tied her career high with 38 points, added 4 rebounds, 2 steals and a block, and helped drag Toronto across the finish line in overtime. 🚨 In this episode: 🔥 First Overtime Win in Franchise History * Toronto beats Connecticut 106-102 * Tempo improve to 7-5 * First OT game and first OT win for the franchise 💪 Brittney Sykes Carries Toronto * 38 points in 41 minutes * 13-of-13 from the free throw line * 50% from three * Continues proving she is the heartbeat of the Tempo 🎯 Marina Mabrey vs Her Former Team * 21 points against Connecticut * Hit big shots late despite some rough stretches * Huge steal in overtime helped seal the win 😬 Ugly First Half * Connecticut scored 57 by halftime * Toronto’s transition defense struggled badly * Sun dominated the glass early * Tempo looked a step slow for long stretches 🏀 Rebounding Problems Return * Connecticut out-rebounded Toronto 57-40 * Sun grabbed 18 offensive rebounds * Olivia Nelson-Ododa caused major problems inside 🇨🇦 Aaliyah Edwards Shows Out * 24 points on 8-of-9 shooting * Strong performance from the Canadian forward * Two missed late free throws helped swing the game 📈 Free Throws Save Toronto * Tempo shot 43 free throws * Sykes, Sabally and Yuskaitė carried the load at the line * Toronto’s best offense came from attacking instead of settling 😅 Izzy Harrison Comes Back Down * Rough shooting night after strong return vs Chicago * Still brings needed leadership and frontcourt presence * Why patience matters as she works back from injury ⏳ Next Up: Washington Mystics * Quick turnaround on the road * Rematch of Toronto’s first-ever WNBA game * Shakira Austin and Sonia Citron will be major problems again * Tempo now sitting 7th in the WNBA standings 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Washington Mystics🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The Tempo survive, advance, and move to 7-5 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

    15 min
  5. Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Crush Chicago Sky 85-68 | Izzy Harrison Returns!

    Jun 7

    Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Crush Chicago Sky 85-68 | Izzy Harrison Returns!

    Welcome back, Izzy Harrison. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s convincing 85-68 win over the Chicago Sky in the Tempo’s first Commissioner’s Cup game of the season. With Kiki Rice sidelined by injury, Toronto desperately needed a frontcourt boost — and Isabelle Harrison delivered immediately. In just 17 minutes, Harrison finished with: 🔥 14 points🔥 6 rebounds🔥 2 assists🔥 +15 Her return completely changed the look of the Tempo offense, giving Toronto a true stretch big and a veteran frontcourt presence they’ve been missing all season. 🚨 In this episode: 🔥 Izzy Harrison Makes Immediate Impact * 14 points in 17 minutes * Hit two huge threes * Added spacing, rebounding and veteran poise * Why her return changes Toronto’s offense 🏀 Frontcourt Help Finally Arrives * Toronto has needed size all season * Harrison gives Sabally much-needed support * Tempo finally get a look at what this roster can be when healthier 💪 Brittney Sykes Sets the Tone * Team-high 25 points * 7 rebounds and 3 assists * Continued attacking the rim * Led Toronto in minutes and plus/minus 🧠 Marina Mabrey Does More Than Score * Only 9 points, but strong all-around impact * 6 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals and a block * No personal fouls after recent frustration concerns 📈 Nyara Sabally Keeps Building * 8 of Toronto’s first 10 points * Finished with 16 points * Continues to look more comfortable offensively 📉 Three-Point Shooting Still a Concern * Tempo shot just 4-of-22 from three * Luckily, Chicago struggled even more * Why Toronto’s free throw balance mattered again 🇨🇦 Commissioner’s Cup Win * First Commissioner’s Cup game for Toronto * Point differential matters * Tempo win every quarter or tie it 📊 Quarter-Season Check-In * Toronto improves to 6-5 * One quarter of the WNBA season is complete * Have the Tempo exceeded expectations so far? ⏳ Next Up: Connecticut Sun * Toronto hosts the struggling Connecticut Sun * Chance to build momentum at home * Big opportunity before a tougher stretch against Atlanta and Indiana 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Connecticut Sun🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 Toronto is above .500 again 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

    15 min
  6. Set The Tempo Postgame: Kiki Rice Leaves With Injury as Toronto Tempo Lose to New York Liberty

    Jun 4

    Set The Tempo Postgame: Kiki Rice Leaves With Injury as Toronto Tempo Lose to New York Liberty

    The Toronto Tempo ran into their toughest test of the season — and it came with a major scare. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s 97-82 loss to the New York Liberty, a game that was overshadowed late by an ankle injury to rookie guard Kiki Rice. The Tempo started strong, but New York’s size, experience, and frontcourt dominance eventually took over. Jonquel Jones was the story of the night, putting up a massive performance inside as Toronto’s ongoing frontcourt issues showed up again. 🚨 In this episode: 😟 Kiki Rice Injury Concern * Kiki Rice leaves late with an ankle injury 🏀 Toronto Falls Back to .500 * Tempo lose 97-82 to New York 🔥 Mabry & Sykes Lead the Offense * Marina Mabry finishes with 17 points 😤 Jonquel Jones Dominates Inside * 22 points and 17 rebounds 🧱 Liberty Size Was the Difference * Breanna Stewart struggled early but still finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds 📉 Toronto’s Offense Fades After Strong Start * Tempo led after the first quarter 🧠 Sandy Brondello’s Return to New York * No revenge win for Brondello against her former team ⏳ Next Up: Chicago Sky * Tempo return home for two straight games 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Chicago Sky🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The Tempo are 5-5 — and waiting on Kiki Rice news 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

    12 min
  7. Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Trounce Seattle Storm 93-72 | Kiki Rice Keeps Rolling!

    May 30

    Set The Tempo Postgame: Toronto Tempo Trounce Seattle Storm 93-72 | Kiki Rice Keeps Rolling!

    That is how you win a basketball game. In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s dominant 93-72 win over the Seattle Storm, giving the Tempo their second victory over Seattle this season and moving the expansion team above .500 at 5-4. After a sloppy second quarter, Toronto exploded in the second half, outscoring Seattle 56-36 after halftime and turning a tight game into a 21-point statement win. The Tempo got contributions across the board, but once again, rookie guard Kiki Rice looked like one of the most reliable players on the floor. 🚨 In this episode: 🔥 Toronto Pulls Away in the Second Half * Tempo beat Seattle 93-72 🌟 Kiki Rice Keeps Proving It * 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals 🎯 Marina Mabrey Starts Hot * Team-high 18 points 💪 All-Around Team Effort * 18 from Mabry 🧠 Julie Allemand Returns * Worked back in after injury 😬 Sloppy Second Quarter * Tempo blew an early double-digit lead 🔒 Defense Changed Everything * Toronto forced 18 Seattle turnovers 🚨 Rotation Notes * Lexie Held waived earlier in the week ⏳ Next Up: New York Liberty * First real measuring-stick game 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs New York Liberty🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 Toronto is 5-4 and starting to look dangerous 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

    11 min
  8. Set The Tempo Postgame: Nyara Sabally Career Night Leads Toronto Tempo Past Chicago Sky

    May 28

    Set The Tempo Postgame: Nyara Sabally Career Night Leads Toronto Tempo Past Chicago Sky

    The Toronto Tempo are back in the win column 🇨🇦🏀 In this episode of Set The Tempo, Tyler Conium reacts to Toronto’s 111-104 road win over the Chicago Sky — a massive bounce-back performance after two straight ugly losses. The star of the night?🔥 Nyara Sabally, who exploded for a career-high 29 points and helped answer one of the biggest questions surrounding the Tempo: can they find enough frontcourt production? Toronto improves to 4-4 on the season, with three of their four wins coming on the road. 🚨 In this episode: 🔥 Nyara Sabally Career Night * Career-high 29 points 📈 Toronto’s Most Complete Offensive Game? * Tempo score 111 points 🌟 Kiki Rice Keeps Rising * 14 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists 🔥 Mabrey & Sykes Both Deliver * Marina Mabrey finds her shot with 24 points 🧠 Better Shot Profile = Better Results * Tempo took 26 threes and 30 free throws 🏀 Chicago’s Injuries Matter — But So Do Toronto’s * Sky missing key players 😬 Injury Watch Continues * Maria Conde leaves with a possible neck injury ⏳ Next Up: Seattle Storm Rematch * Toronto returns home Saturday afternoon 📅 Next Game: Toronto Tempo vs Seattle Storm🎧 New episodes after EVERY Tempo game 📲 Follow @TylerConium🇨🇦 The Tempo are back to .500 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

    13 min

About

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

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