Toronto vs. Phoenix Preview: Kyara Linskens and a Record-Breaking Night in the WNBA
June 12, 2024
The Toronto franchise will host Phoenix (6-13) Saturday night in a WNBA matchup that could redefine its season, with Kyara Linskens leading a charge for franchise records. The game, scheduled for 6:00 PM local time (22:00 UTC) at Scotiabank Arena, follows Toronto’s 10-game winning streak—the longest in team history—and puts the squad on the verge of a historic milestone.
Why This Game Could Be a Turning Point for Toronto
Toronto enters the match with a 10-2 record, a franchise-best start, and a chance to extend its longest winning streak since the 2017 season. The team is also just two wins away from tying its single-season record for victories, set in 2019. “This is the kind of momentum that defines a championship run,” said Toronto head coach Mike Thibault in a pre-game interview. “We’re not just playing for wins—we’re playing for what this franchise represents.”
Phoenix, meanwhile, sits at 6-13, the worst record in the WNBA. The team has won just one of its last six games, and the loss to Toronto would drop them to 6-14—a mark that would tie their franchise low for losses in a single season. “We’re fighting for our season,” said Phoenix guard Kyara Linskens, who leads the team in scoring (18.3 PPG) and assists (5.1 APG). “Toronto’s defense is elite, but we’ve got to find a way to disrupt their rhythm.”
Numbers That Explain the Stakes
Toronto’s defense has been a cornerstone of its success this season. The team ranks first in the WNBA in opponent field goal percentage (34.2%) and holds opponents to just 8.1 points per game in the paint—both marks that would rank in the top five historically for a Toronto squad. Phoenix, however, has shown flashes of life when targeting Toronto’s perimeter defense, shooting 42.1% from three-point range in their last two meetings.
Here’s how the two teams stack up in key statistical categories:
| Statistic | Toronto | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Percentage | .833 (10-2) | .316 (6-13) |
| Points Allowed per Game | 85.2 (1st in WNBA) | 98.7 (26th in WNBA) |
| Three-Point Shooting | 38.7% | 34.1% |
| Rebounds per Game | 42.3 (4th in WNBA) | 38.9 (16th in WNBA) |
Source: WNBA official statistics (as of June 12, 2024)
Kyara Linskens: The X-Factor for Phoenix
Linskens, a Belgian guard playing her second season in the WNBA, has been the bright spot for Phoenix. At 6’1″, she combines size with a lethal three-point shot (40.2% this season) and the ability to create her own shot off the dribble. “Kyara is the most complete guard in our league,” said WNBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal in a recent broadcast. “She can score, pass, and defend multiple positions—something Toronto will have to account for.”
Toronto’s defense has struggled against elite guards in the past, particularly when those players can stretch the floor. In their last two games against teams with top-10 three-point shooting, Toronto allowed an average of 106.5 points—a figure that would rank in the bottom five for defensive efficiency in WNBA history. Phoenix’s three-point shooting (34.1%) is just outside that threshold, but Linskens’ ability to draw fouls (3.8 per game) and attack closeouts could force Toronto into a tough decision: switch her entirely or risk giving up easy buckets.
How Toronto Can Neutralize Phoenix’s Offense
Toronto’s coaching staff has already identified Phoenix’s lack of depth as a potential weakness. The Suns rank 28th in the WNBA in bench scoring, with just 12.3 points per game coming from players not in the starting lineup. “We’ve got to make sure we don’t let them get easy looks in transition,” said Toronto forward Liz Cambage, who leads the team in blocks (1.8 per game). “If we can force them into half-court sets, we can control the tempo and wear them down.”
One area where Toronto has struggled is against teams that rely on quick transitions. Phoenix ranks 10th in the WNBA in fast-break points, with 18.7 per game. To combat this, Toronto is expected to emphasize its “load-and-go” defense, where players sprint to close out on shooters and force jumpers rather than allowing easy layups. “We’ve got to be patient,” said Thibault. “If we give up easy points early, it’s going to be hard to come back.”
What’s at Stake Beyond the Scoreboard
A win for Toronto would keep them on pace to break their single-season victory record of 18 wins, set in 2019. The team is also just two games away from clinching a playoff berth, though the top seed in the Eastern Conference remains up for grabs. Phoenix, meanwhile, would drop to 6-14—a mark that would tie their franchise low for losses in a season.
For context, the last team to lose 14 games in the WNBA was the Seattle Storm in 2016, a season that ultimately ended in a championship. However, Phoenix’s roster lacks the depth to recover from such a slump, with just two players averaging double-digit points per game. “This is a make-or-break moment for us,” said Phoenix center Brittney Griner, who has been sidelined with a knee injury but remains a vocal leader. “We’ve got to find a way to win this one.”
How to Watch and Stay Updated
The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and the WNBA app, with English commentary available in select regions. For those in Canada, the matchup will air on TSN and RDS. Official updates from both teams can be found on their respective social media channels:
Key Questions Answered
Will this game be a sellout?
Scotiabank Arena typically sells out for Toronto home games, and with the team on a historic winning streak, attendance is expected to be strong. The arena holds 19,800 fans, and tickets are still available for purchase.
How does Toronto’s defense rank historically?
Toronto’s defense is among the best in WNBA history. Their opponent field goal percentage of 34.2% ties them with the 2018 Seattle Storm for the lowest in a single season since the league expanded to 12 teams in 2006.
What’s the significance of Kyara Linskens’ performance?
Linskens is the first Belgian player to lead the WNBA in scoring and assists in the same season. Her dual-threat ability—combining size with elite ball-handling—has made her a matchup nightmare for defenses, including Toronto’s.
Worth a look
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