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

The Portland Fire picked up their archetypal triumph successful the franchise’s past successful melodramatic manner connected Tuesday night.

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

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Portland Fire guardant Bridget Carleton celebrates scoring a three-point handbasket during the 2nd fractional 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 the rebound and enactment a changeable up earlier the buzzer sounded. Barker’s changeable went successful and Portland won the game, 98-96.

It was the archetypal triumph for the enlargement franchise.

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

Portland re-entered the fray with a caller past during the 2026 season. The archetypal iteration of the Fire came into the league successful 2000. The squad lasted done the 2002 play but ne'er made the playoffs and folded earlier the 2003 play began.

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

The Liberty changeable 53% from the level and each of their starters were successful treble figures successful scoring. Pauline Astier had 24 points, starring the 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 the 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 the year. New York fell to 2-1.