Tempo beat Storm for expansion Toronto’s first victory behind Mabrey’s 26 points – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Toronto – The Toronto Tempo secured their first win in franchise history Tuesday night, defeating the Seattle Storm 86-73 behind a balanced offensive attack and a decisive late surge. Marina Mabrey led the way with 26 points, including six three-pointers, while the expansion team pulled away in the second half to improve to 1-1. The result gave Toronto its initial taste of success after an opening-night loss and highlighted the contributions of several newcomers adjusting to the league.
A Runaway Third Quarter Sets the Tone
Toronto built momentum early in the third period with an 18-6 run that flipped a slim deficit into a nine-point lead. Mabrey and reserve Maria Conde combined for 14 points during that stretch, stretching the advantage to 65-56. The Tempo maintained control through the final minutes as Seattle managed just one field goal in the closing six minutes of the game. The fourth quarter extended the separation when Mabrey added eight points in the first six minutes, including a pair of three-pointers that pushed the margin to double digits. One of those shots came from near midcourt, underscoring the guard’s range and confidence on a night when Toronto needed every available edge.
Supporting Cast Delivers Depth
Brittney Sykes complemented Mabrey’s scoring with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists, providing steady playmaking and rebounding on both ends. Conde added 16 points off the bench, while rookie Kiki Rice, Toronto’s first-round draft selection, contributed 12 points in her second professional outing. The distribution of scoring helped the Tempo avoid over-reliance on any single player during stretches when Seattle applied pressure. Seattle struggled to find consistent rhythm after halftime, finishing with limited production from its starters in the final period. The Storm’s inability to convert open looks allowed Toronto to dictate the pace and close out the contest comfortably.
League-Wide Results Highlight Competitive Balance
Elsewhere, the Las Vegas Aces routed the Connecticut Sun 98-69 behind Kennedy Carter’s 27 points on efficient shooting. A’ja Wilson added 22 points and 11 rebounds in limited minutes for her 121st career double-double, while the Aces bench combined for 48 points. Las Vegas improved to 2-1 and will face Connecticut again on Friday. In San Francisco, the Chicago Sky held off the Golden State Valkyries 69-63. Rickea Jackson scored 18 points, including a late three-pointer that helped seal the outcome, and Skylar Diggins finished with 15 points and seven assists. Golden State shot just 29 percent from the field in its first home loss of the season.
What Matters Now
The Tempo’s victory provides early validation for an expansion roster still integrating new pieces. With a four-game road trip looming for Chicago and additional matchups ahead for Las Vegas and Connecticut, the early-season results underscore how quickly margins can shift in a league where depth and timely shooting often decide outcomes. Toronto will look to build on the momentum in its next contest, while the rest of the field continues to sort through adjustments after the opening week.
