Flau’jae Johnson leads the way with 20 points as Storm snaps losing streak
Category: Sports
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Storm triumphed over the Toronto Tempo with a score of 90-78 on August 26, 2026, at Climate Pledge Arena, marking a much-needed victory for a team that had struggled throughout the season. Flau’jae Johnson was instrumental in the win, scoring 20 points, and was supported by Dominique Malonga, who contributed 18 points.
The Storm’s victory improved their record to 8-31, breaking a streak of 14 losses in their last 15 games. Jade Melbourne also played a key role, adding 16 points and providing seven assists. Meanwhile, the Tempo, missing their top three scorers due to injuries, fell to 11-27.
The Storm, who had been battling a challenging season, needed this win to regain their confidence. The Tempo, on the other hand, faced a tough challenge without their leading players: Marina Mabrey (adductor), Brittney Sykes (foot), and Nyara Sabally (calf). Their absence was felt on the court, as the team struggled to maintain offensive momentum against a determined Seattle squad.
Seattle surged ahead after closing the third quarter with an 11-4 run, taking a 64-61 lead into the final period. They continued their strong play into the fourth quarter, opening with a 9-2 run that extended their lead to 10 points, effectively sealing the victory.
In addition to Johnson and Malonga, Awa Fam and Zia Cooke each contributed 10 points for the Storm. For Toronto, rookie Kiki Rice stood out with a season-high 24 points, demonstrating her potential as a future star in the league. Isabelle Harrison also had a notable performance, scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
The Seattle Storm entered the game with a 7-31 record after suffering a loss to the Dallas Wings just days prior. Flau’jae Johnson had led the team in that game, scoring 23 points and showing signs of her capability to lead the team. Jade Melbourne, who has been a consistent performer, added 15 points in that previous match and aimed to continue her strong form against the Tempo.
Toronto, with an 11-26 record before the game, had also faced its share of challenges. They had lost their last match against the Las Vegas Aces, and their injury woes compounded their difficulties. The absence of top scorers like Mabrey and Sabally left a considerable gap in their lineup, forcing the team to rely on less experienced players.
Both teams were eager for a win; the Storm wanted to snap their losing streak, and the Tempo aimed to maintain their competitive edge in the league. With the stakes high, the matchup promised to be an exciting contest, and it delivered in terms of intensity and effort from both sides.
Following this game, the Seattle Storm will host the Los Angeles Sparks on August 30, 2026, as they look to build on their newfound momentum. Meanwhile, the Toronto Tempo will face the Las Vegas Aces on August 28, 2026, hoping to bounce back from their loss to Seattle and utilize the experience gained from this challenging matchup.
As the season progresses, both teams will need to navigate their respective challenges. For the Storm, consistency will be key as they seek to improve their standings. For the Tempo, finding ways to compete without their star players will be a priority as they strive to remain competitive in the league.
Former Seattle Storm star Nneka Ogwumike is also set to retire after this season, marking the end of an era for the franchise. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire current players as they continue to fight for their place in the league.
This game highlighted the resilience of the Seattle Storm and showcased the potential of rising stars like Kiki Rice for the Toronto Tempo. As the WNBA season continues, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and standout performances from both established and new talent.