Toronto's Expansion Tempo Spoils Seattle's Night With 86-73 Win Behind Mabrey's Scoring Spree

The Seattle Storm's early season hopes took a hit on May 13, 2026, when the expansion Toronto Tempo claimed their first WNBA victory with a 86-73 victory at home. It stings a little more when you realize how the new franchise got it done: Mabrey absolutely went off for 26 points to lead the way, and the Storm just couldn't keep pace.

Mabrey's Breakout Performance Carries Tempo

This is the kind of game that lingers in your mind because it highlights a simple truth: expansion teams don't always play like expansion teams. Toronto's Mabrey came out firing and put the Storm defense in tough spots all night. Twenty-six points is a statement, especially when you're trying to establish yourself in a brand new franchise. The Tempo got exactly what they needed from their leader, and it showed on the scoreboard at the final buzzer.

For Seattle, this was a chance to make a statement early, and instead they're heading home with a loss that feels particularly bitter. Getting outscored 86-73 doesn't happen because of one thing, but when your opponent's got a player hot like Mabrey was, it becomes nearly impossible to climb back in.

What's Next for the Storm

The Storm will regroup and look to bounce back quickly. Early season form matters, and dropping a game to an expansion squad's inaugural victory isn't the message Seattle wanted to send. There's plenty of basketball left to play, but this one stings because it's the kind of winnable game that good teams usually find a way to steal.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.