WNBA Star Erupts for Historic 53 Points in Record-Breaking Performance

Clear Facts

• Toronto Tempo’s Marina Mabrey scored 53 points, tying the WNBA single-game scoring record previously reached only by A’ja Wilson and Liz Cambage
• The Tempo defeated the Los Angeles Sparks 125-94, setting the highest regulation-game point total in WNBA history
• Mabrey hit 9 three-pointers and shot 17-of-28 from the field in front of her sister Michaela, who rarely gets to watch her play

In a stunning display of athletic excellence, Marina Mabrey etched her name into the WNBA record books Thursday night with a 53-point performance that tied the league’s single-game scoring record. The Toronto Tempo star joined an elite club previously occupied by only A’ja Wilson and Liz Cambage.

The Tempo dominated the Los Angeles Sparks 125-94, setting their own piece of history in the process. Their 125 points marked the highest total scored in a regulation WNBA game, surpassing all previous marks. The Phoenix Mercury had scored 127 points in 2010, but that required double overtime.

Mabrey was on fire from the opening tip, racking up 27 points by halftime. She added 12 more in the third quarter, giving her 39 points heading into the final frame. With the game well in hand, Mabrey’s teammates made it their mission to help her chase history.

The veteran guard launched three-pointer after three-pointer, draining nine total on the night. The home crowd roared with each basket as Mabrey climbed toward the record. She ultimately reached the 53-point mark with about two minutes remaining in regulation.

Mabrey had opportunities to claim the record outright, but her final two three-point attempts rimmed out. She checked out of the game with just over a minute to play to a standing ovation from the appreciative Toronto faithful.

The night held special significance beyond the record books. Mabrey’s sister Michaela, who played alongside Marina at Notre Dame after both starred in New Jersey high school basketball, was in attendance. The moment Michaela rushed onto the court after the final buzzer to embrace her sister provided one of the evening’s most memorable images.

“None of this happens without my teammates. They really found me,” Marina said. “For a three-point shooter, you need your teammates to set screens and deliver the pass, and that’s what they did.”

The performance continues an impressive start for Mabrey in Toronto’s inaugural season. The expansion franchise assembled its roster through an expansion draft, and Mabrey has emerged as the cornerstone player. Just last week, she set the franchise record with 37 points—a mark that now seems distant given Thursday’s explosion.

Mabrey’s final stat line showcased her efficiency: 17-of-28 shooting overall, 9-of-18 from beyond the arc, six rebounds, and two assists. It’s the kind of complete performance that demonstrates why the Tempo made her a priority in building their new franchise.

The record-tying night represents not just individual excellence, but the promise of professional women’s basketball as it continues to grow. Performances like Mabrey’s capture national attention and showcase the talent that makes the WNBA must-watch basketball.

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