Lynx Secure Victory Over Tempo in Close Contest
Friday, May 1, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Target Center
Minnesota Lynx 73, Toronto Tempo 66, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Toronto Tempo vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx beat Toronto Tempo 73-66 at Target Center on May 1, 2026.
Who was favored in Toronto Tempo vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -258 (about 72% implied). The favorite won.
The Minnesota Lynx continued their strong start to the season with a 73-66 victory over the Toronto Tempo at the Target Center. This win marks the Lynx's fourth consecutive victory over the Tempo, extending their series lead to 3-0. The Lynx have shown impressive form, boasting a home record of 3-0 and an overall record of 6-4 in their last ten games, with an average of 80.7 points scored and 75.5 points allowed. In contrast, the Tempo struggled, falling to 0-2 on the season and having lost their last game against the Connecticut Sun, where they scored 78 points while allowing 83.
The Lynx's recent performances have been characterized by their scoring capabilities, averaging 81.0 points in their last five games, although they have also allowed an average of 80.8 points during that stretch. Their most recent games include a win against Nigeria, where they scored 88 points, and a solid away win against the Washington Mystics, where they secured a 77-66 victory. The Lynx's home advantage has been evident, as they have a home record of 4-1, showcasing their ability to perform well in front of their fans.
On the other hand, the Toronto Tempo's struggles have been compounded by injuries to key players. Nyara Sabally, Maria Conde, Julie Allemand, Marina Mabrey, and Aneesah Morrow were all sidelined for this matchup, which undoubtedly affected their performance. The Tempo's only game this season resulted in a loss, and they have yet to find their rhythm on the road, as indicated by their 0-1 record away from home.
In terms of betting, DraftKings set the odds with the Lynx favored by 6.5 points, reflecting their strong home record and overall performance this season. The total for the game was set at 158.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. These odds indicate the expectation of a closely contested game, which ultimately played out as the Lynx narrowly secured the win.
The game featured a tense fourth quarter, with the score tightly contested. Elizabeth Balogun's driving layup put the Tempo ahead 64-62, but the Lynx responded with a series of crucial plays. Olivia Miles made two free throws to tie the game, followed by Kiki Rice's two-point shot that briefly gave the Tempo a 66-64 lead. However, the Lynx's Eliska Hamzova hit a three-pointer, assisted by Miles, bringing the score to 67-66 in favor of Minnesota. Miles then extended the lead with a step-back jumper, and Emma Cechova sealed the game with a layup, finalizing the score at 73-66.
The conditions at the Target Center were favorable for the Lynx, who capitalized on their home court advantage. The atmosphere was charged, and the Lynx's ability to execute in crucial moments was evident. Fans witnessed a display of resilience from the Lynx, who maintained their composure despite the pressure of a close game.
Overall, the Lynx's victory over the Tempo not only highlights their strong start to the season but also underscores the challenges facing the Tempo as they seek to find their footing in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -6.5 | 158.5 o -110 / u -110 | Toronto Tempo +210 · Minnesota Lynx -258 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Nyara SaballyOutCalfToronto Tempo
- Maria CondeOutNot Injury RelatedToronto Tempo
- Julie AllemandOutHeadToronto Tempo
- Marina MabreyOutHipToronto Tempo
- Aneesah MorrowOutKneeToronto Tempo
Leaders
- PointsEmma Cechova16Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsCourtney Williams6Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsEmma Cechova6Minnesota Lynx
- PointsElizabeth Balogun12Toronto Tempo
- AssistsKiki Rice2Toronto Tempo
- ReboundsLaura Juskaite7Toronto Tempo
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 6-4Streak W280.7 scored · 75.5 allowed per game4-1 at home
- W88-79vs NIGERIAApr 28
- W77-66at Washington MysticsApr 25
- L81-86at Phoenix MercurySep 29
- L76-84at Phoenix MercurySep 27
- L83-89vs Phoenix MercurySep 23
- W82-69vs Phoenix MercurySep 21
- W75-74at Golden State ValkyriesSep 18
- W101-72vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 14
- W72-53vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 12
- L72-83at Indiana FeverSep 9
Toronto Tempo
1 game: 0-1Streak L178 scored · 83 allowed per game
- L78-83vs Connecticut SunApr 29
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Toronto Tempo | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-68 | 24-56 |
| Field goal % | 35 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 6-24 | 2-5 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 40 |
| Free throws | 12-16 | 23-37 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 62 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 40 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 29 |
| Assists | 11 | 15 |
| Steals | 7 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 38 |
| Fouls | 31 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 16 | 16 |
| Time in front | 38 | 52 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Quarter37-36Elizabeth Balogun makes 23-foot three point jumper (Teonni Key assists)
- 3rd Quarter39-36Brittney Sykes makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter41-36Temi Fagbenle makes 1-foot layup (Julie Allemand assists)
- 3rd Quarter41-38Kayla McBride makes 2-foot two point shot (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter41-40Emma Cechova makes running layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter43-40Brittney Sykes makes 11-foot running pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter43-42Olivia Miles makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter43-43Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter45-43Kia Nurse makes running layup (Laura Juskaite assists)
- 3rd Quarter45-44Emma Cechova makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter45-45Emma Cechova makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter45-47Nia Coffey makes 1-foot layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter48-47Elizabeth Balogun makes 22-foot three point jumper (Kiki Rice assists)
- 3rd Quarter48-49Emma Cechova makes 1-foot layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter48-52Nia Coffey makes 25-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-52Teonni Key makes 1-foot layup (Kiki Rice assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-52Teonni Key makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter51-53Emma Cechova makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-53Kiki Rice makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter53-53Teonni Key makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter54-53Kia Nurse makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter55-53Kia Nurse makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter55-55Liatu King makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter58-55Kia Nurse makes 25-foot three pointer (Teonni Key assists)
- 4th Quarter58-56Eliska Hamzova makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter58-57Eliska Hamzova makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter60-57Lexi Held makes layup
- 4th Quarter60-58Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter60-59Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter60-61Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes running layup
- 4th Quarter62-61Laura Juskaite makes 1-foot layup (Aaliyah Nye assists)
- 4th Quarter62-62Emma Cechova makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter64-62Elizabeth Balogun makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter64-63Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter64-64Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter66-64Kiki Rice makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter66-67Eliska Hamzova makes 23-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter66-69Olivia Miles makes 16-foot step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter66-71Emma Cechova makes 2-foot layup (Eliska Hamzova assists)
- 4th Quarter66-73Emma Cechova makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Toronto Tempo.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance7821
- OfficialsGina Cross, Clare Simmons, Gerda Gatling
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Lynx Dominate Tempo in WNBA ShowdownJul 30, 2026
- Lynx Edge Tempo in Competitive MatchupJul 28, 2026
- Lynx Dominate Tempo in 100-72 VictoryMay 21, 2026