WNBA's Fire pick up first win with dramatic buzzer-beater over Liberty

The Portland Fire picked up their first triumph successful nan franchise’s history successful melodramatic manner connected Tuesday night.

The Fire and New York Liberty were tied 96-96 pinch nether six seconds to play. Portland had what would beryllium nan last possession. Fire defender Bridget Carleton chucked up a 3-pointer but was disconnected nan mark.

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Portland Fire guardant Bridget Carleton celebrates scoring a three-point handbasket during nan 2nd half against New York Liberty astatine Moda Center successful Portland, Ore., connected May 12, 2026. (Troy Wayrynen/Imagn Images)

Portland’s Sarah Ashlee Barker, somehow, collected nan rebound and put a changeable up earlier nan buzzer sounded. Barker’s changeable went successful and Portland won nan game, 98-96.

It was nan first triumph for nan expansion franchise.

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New York Liberty defender Pauline Astier scores a three-point handbasket during nan 2nd half against nan Portland Fire astatine Moda Center successful Portland, Ore., connected May 12, 2026. (Troy Wayrynen/Imagn Images)

Portland re-entered nan fray pinch a caller history during nan 2026 season. The first loop of nan Fire came into nan convention successful 2000. The squad lasted done nan 2002 play but ne'er made nan playoffs and folded earlier nan 2003 play began.

Carleton led nan squad pinch 26 points and made 5 3-pointers. Barker played 22 minutes disconnected nan chair for Portland and had 5 points – nan astir important successful nan last moments. Carla Leite added 21 and Kamiah Smalls had 13 disconnected nan bench.

The Liberty changeable 53% from nan level and each of their starters were successful double figures successful scoring. Pauline Astier had 24 points, starring nan team. Breanna Stewart had 16 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists.

Portland Fire players Haley Jones, Bridget Carleton, Emily Engstler and Luisa Geiselsoder stitchery earlier a crippled against nan New York Liberty astatine Moda Center successful Portland, Ore., connected May 12, 2026. (Troy Wayrynen/Imagn Images)

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Portland moved to 1-1 connected nan year. New York fell to 2-1.