Portland Fire Claim First Franchise Win on Buzzer-Beater vs. Liberty

The Portland Fire grabbed their first win in franchise history Tuesday night with a buzzer-beater against the New York Liberty.

The teams were tied 96-96 with under six seconds left. Portland held the final possession. Guard Bridget Carleton launched a 3-pointer that missed.

Sarah Ashlee Barker snagged the rebound and got a shot off before time expired. The ball dropped through the hoop for a 98-96 Portland victory. It marked the first win for the expansion franchise.

The Fire entered the 2026 season with fresh history. An earlier version of the team joined the league in 2000, played through 2002 without reaching the playoffs, and folded before the 2003 season.

Carleton paced Portland with 26 points, including five 3-pointers. Barker came off the bench for 22 minutes and five points, none bigger than the game-winner. Carla Leite scored 21 points, and Kamiah Smalls added 13.

The Liberty shot 53 percent from the floor. All five starters reached double figures in scoring. Pauline Astier led with 24 points. Breanna Stewart posted 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Portland improved to 1-1. New York dropped to 2-1.