Connecticut Sun Edges Seattle Storm 80-78 in Close Match
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Climate Pledge Arena
Connecticut Sun 80, Seattle Storm 78, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Connecticut Sun vs Seattle Storm?
Connecticut Sun beat Seattle Storm 80-78 at Climate Pledge Arena on May 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Connecticut Sun vs Seattle Storm?
Seattle Storm were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested game, the Connecticut Sun triumphed over the Seattle Storm with a final score of 80-78 at Climate Pledge Arena. This victory marks a significant moment for the Sun, who have struggled recently, extending their winless streak to six games prior to this matchup. The win against the Storm not only breaks their losing streak but also adds to their competitive record against Seattle, as they now have a 2-1 series advantage this season.
Both teams entered the game with disappointing records, with the Seattle Storm holding a 1-4 record and the Connecticut Sun at 1-5. The Storm had been on a two-game losing streak, having lost to the Indiana Fever and the Toronto Tempo in their last two outings, scoring an average of 79.7 points while allowing 83.9 points over their last ten games. In contrast, the Sun had an even tougher stretch, winning only two of their last ten games and averaging 77.3 points scored while allowing 89.3 points.
At home, the Storm had a record of 3-1, while their away performance was significantly weaker at 1-5. The Sun's away record was also poor, standing at 1-5. This matchup was crucial for both teams, as they sought to improve their standings in the league.
The game featured a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In the fourth quarter, Charlisse Leger-Walker made a pivotal 8-foot driving floating jump shot to bring the score to 75-72 in favor of the Sun. Natisha Hiedeman quickly responded with a 7-foot two-point shot, narrowing the gap to 75-74. Jade Melbourne then scored a layup, assisted by Hiedeman, giving the Storm a brief lead at 76-75. However, the Sun's Mackenzie Holmes made key free throws, pushing the score to 78-75.
As the game progressed, Aaliyah Edwards made a driving layup, bringing the Sun within one point at 78-77. The decisive moment came when Kennedy Burke scored a running layup, assisted by Leger-Walker, and then converted a free throw to seal the game at 80-78.
In terms of injuries, the Storm were missing Natisha Hiedeman due to a shoulder issue and Awa Fam for non-injury related reasons. The Sun faced a more extensive injury list, with Rayah Marshall, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Brittney Griner, Kennedy Burke, and Leila Lacan all out for various reasons, including coach's decisions and injuries.
The betting market, as reported by DraftKings, had the Storm favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 169.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with the Storm's moneyline at -142.0 and the Sun's at 120.0.
Conditions during the game were typical for a WNBA matchup, with both teams showcasing their skills and strategies in front of a home crowd. Fans were treated to a display of tenacity and resilience, particularly from the Sun, who had to overcome their recent struggles to secure this win.
Overall, this game highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams and their determination to improve their standings. The Connecticut Sun's victory not only boosts their morale but also sets a hopeful tone for their upcoming games as they look to build on this success.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | SEA -2.5 | 169.5 o -105 / u -115 | Connecticut Sun +120 · Seattle Storm -142 |
Injury report
- Natisha HiedemanOutShoulderSeattle Storm
- Awa FamOutNot Injury RelatedSeattle Storm
- Rayah MarshallOutCoach's DecisionConnecticut Sun
- Olivia Nelson-OdodaOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Brittney GrinerOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Kennedy BurkeOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
- Leila LacanOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
Leaders
- PointsNatisha Hiedeman20Seattle Storm
- AssistsNatisha Hiedeman5Seattle Storm
- ReboundsMackenzie Holmes6Seattle Storm
- PointsCharlisse Leger-Walker16Connecticut Sun
- AssistsCharlisse Leger-Walker3Connecticut Sun
- ReboundsRaegan Beers8Connecticut Sun
Recent form
Seattle Storm
Last 10: 4-6Streak L279.7 scored · 83.9 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L78-89at Indiana FeverMay 17
- L73-86at Toronto TempoMay 13
- W89-82at Connecticut SunMay 10
- L80-91vs Golden State ValkyriesMay 9
- W91-81vs Portland FireApr 30
- L76-78at Golden State ValkyriesApr 26
- L73-74at Las Vegas AcesSep 19
- W86-83vs Las Vegas AcesSep 17
- L77-102at Las Vegas AcesSep 15
- W74-73vs Golden State ValkyriesSep 10
Connecticut Sun
Last 10: 2-8Streak L677.3 scored · 89.3 allowed per game1-3 away
- L82-83at Portland FireMay 19
- L94-101vs Las Vegas AcesMay 15
- L69-98vs Las Vegas AcesMay 14
- L82-89vs Seattle StormMay 10
- L75-106at New York LibertyMay 8
- L67-79vs New York LibertyMay 3
- W83-78at Toronto TempoApr 29
- L72-88vs Atlanta DreamSep 10
- L62-87at Atlanta DreamSep 8
- W87-84vs Phoenix MercurySep 6
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Connecticut Sun | Seattle Storm |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 32-72 | 25-63 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 40 |
| Three-pointers | 5-20 | 6-23 |
| Three-point % | 25 | 26 |
| Free throws | 11-17 | 22-25 |
| Free throw % | 65 | 88 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 26 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 21 |
| Assists | 14 | 15 |
| Steals | 10 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 14 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 36 |
| Fouls | 19 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 5 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 77 | 12 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter46-43Natisha Hiedeman makes 3-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter48-43Aaliyah Edwards makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter48-46Natisha Hiedeman makes 26-foot three pointer (Jade Melbourne assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-46Diamond Miller makes 2-foot layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 3rd Quarter50-47Stefanie Dolson makes free throw flagrant 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter50-48Stefanie Dolson makes free throw flagrant 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-48Nell Angloma makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter55-48Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 24-foot three point jumper (Aaliyah Edwards assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-51Taylor Thierry makes 25-foot three point jumper (Zia Cooke assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-51Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter57-52Zia Cooke makes technical free throw
- 3rd Quarter59-52Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 3-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter59-55Taylor Thierry makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Mackenzie Holmes assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-56Jade Melbourne makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-57Jade Melbourne makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-57Aaliyah Edwards makes driving layup (Hailey Van Lith assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-59Mackenzie Holmes makes 3-foot layup (Jade Melbourne assists)
- 3rd Quarter63-59Aaliyah Edwards makes 3-foot two point shot (Saniya Rivers assists)
- 4th Quarter63-61Lexie Brown makes 4-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter63-62Lexie Brown makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter64-62Kennedy Burke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-62Kennedy Burke makes 26-foot three point jumper (Saniya Rivers assists)
- 4th Quarter67-64Lexie Brown makes 3-foot layup (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
- 4th Quarter67-65Stefanie Dolson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-66Jade Melbourne makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-67Jade Melbourne makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-67Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 11-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter71-67Aaliyah Edwards makes 19-foot jumper (Ashlon Jackson assists)
- 4th Quarter73-67Ashlon Jackson makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter73-70Natisha Hiedeman makes 29-foot three point jumper (Lexie Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter73-71Jade Melbourne makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-72Jade Melbourne makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-72Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter75-74Natisha Hiedeman makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter75-76Jade Melbourne makes 2-foot layup (Natisha Hiedeman assists)
- 4th Quarter75-77Mackenzie Holmes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-78Mackenzie Holmes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-78Aaliyah Edwards makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter79-78Kennedy Burke makes running layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 4th Quarter80-78Kennedy Burke makes free throw 1 of 1
Win probability
Above the line favours Seattle Storm, below favours Connecticut Sun.
Venue
- Climate Pledge ArenaSeattle, WA
- Attendance9024
- OfficialsTim Greene, Agon Abazi, Josh Reed
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Seattle Storm Defeats Connecticut Sun 77-59May 22, 2026
- Seattle Storm Defeats Connecticut Sun 89-82May 10, 2026