Seattle Storm defeated Toronto Tempo 90-78 at Climate Pledge Arena on August 26, 2026. Seattle overturned two earlier losses in the season series by finishing the third quarter strongly and opening the fourth with another decisive run.
Seattle Storm vs Toronto Tempo Result
- Final score: Seattle Storm 90, Toronto Tempo 78
- Date: August 26, 2026
- Venue: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle
- Records after the game: Seattle 8-31; Toronto 11-27
How Seattle Won the Game
The game remained close through most of the third quarter. Seattle then closed the period on an 11-4 run to take a 64-61 lead. A 9-2 burst at the start of the fourth pushed the advantage to 10 points.
That sequence changed the game. Toronto stayed within reach for three quarters, but Seattle carried its late-third-quarter momentum into the final period. The Storm avoided the long scoring slowdown that had hurt them in the first two meetings.
Seattle also shared the scoring load. Five Storm players reached double figures, giving the offense several options when Toronto tried to slow the leading scorer.
Seattle Storm Review
Flau’jae Johnson led Seattle with 20 points. Dominique Malonga added 18, while Jade Melbourne recorded 16 points and seven assists. Awa Fam and Zia Cooke scored 10 points each.
The win ended a difficult stretch in which Seattle had lost 14 of its previous 15 games. More importantly for this matchup, it showed a clear adjustment after Toronto won the first two meetings by 13 and 21 points.
Seattle’s strongest passage came across the third- and fourth-quarter break. The Storm created separation without depending on a single possession or one player. That balanced response made the lead easier to protect.
Toronto Tempo Review
Toronto played without its three leading scorers: Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes and Nyara Sabally. That absence changed the available rotation and placed more responsibility on the remaining players.
Rookie Kiki Rice answered with a season-high 24 points. Isabelle Harrison supplied 17 points and 14 rebounds. Their production kept Toronto competitive until Seattle’s closing run in the third quarter.
The Tempo had already beaten Seattle twice in May. Toronto won 86-73 on May 13 and 93-72 on May 30. This time, however, the short-handed lineup could not match Seattle’s depth during the decisive final stretch.
Recent Head-to-Head Results
| Date | Home team | Score | Away team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-08-26 | Seattle Storm | 90-78 | Toronto Tempo |
| 2026-05-30 | Toronto Tempo | 93-72 | Seattle Storm |
| 2026-05-13 | Toronto Tempo | 86-73 | Seattle Storm |
What Changed From the Earlier Meetings?
Toronto controlled the first two games and held Seattle below 75 points in both. Seattle reached 90 in the third meeting. The Storm’s balanced scoring and strong transition between the final two quarters produced a different result.
The outcome does not erase Toronto’s earlier success. The Tempo still won the season series 2-1. It does show that Seattle found a more effective attacking balance when the teams met in Seattle.
Key Takeaway
Seattle’s 90-78 victory was built on timing as much as total scoring. The 20-6 combined run across the end of the third and start of the fourth created the decisive gap. Toronto received strong performances from Rice and Harrison, but its missing scorers reduced the available margin for error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Seattle Storm vs Toronto Tempo?
Seattle won 90-78 on August 26, 2026.
Who was Seattle’s leading scorer?
Flau’jae Johnson led the Storm with 20 points.
Who led Toronto?
Kiki Rice scored a season-high 24 points. Isabelle Harrison added 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Who won the 2026 season series?
Toronto won the season series 2-1 after victories in both May meetings.
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References
Chris Marcus
Chris Marcus is a sports writer and editor at Bakesim, covering match previews, team form, head-to-head records and evidence-based predictions across major sports.
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