The Night Portland Shocked the WNBA World
Carla Leite jumps on Sarah Ashlee Barker after making the game winning shot. Photo by Cameron Browne.
Defensive intensity, relentless hustle, and timely three point shots. According to Alex Sarama, it was “Portland Fire 101”.
In what seemed like an improbable outcome, the Portland Fire shocked the WNBA world last night with a 98-96 win over the New York Liberty. The crowd erupted as Portland celebrated its first WNBA win in 24 years.
From the start of the game, it was clear the Portland Fire were going to put up a fight. Bridget Carleton started the game with back to back buckets to set the tone. It was clear Carleton was emphasizing being aggressive offensively, something we didn’t see at the start of Game 1. BC racked up a career high 26 points on 9-16 FG 5-11 3P, showing everyone why she was picked first in the Expansion Draft.
Carleton wasn’t just aggressive offensively, she also set the tone early defensively, along with Emily Engstler. The defensive duo combined for an insane 9 stocks (steals + blocks). It was largely due to those two and the length of Nyadiew Puoch that the Fire were able to contain Breanna Stewart for most of the game.
I’m yet to mention Carla Leite, the young French phenom. Leite showed yet again her toughness, control of the offense, and ability to get to the basket at will. Leite did however twist her right ankle and leave the game for a bit. Despite that, she ended the game with 21 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds and was a +14 in a 2 point win.
While Carla Leite was out, Kamiah Smalls took advantage of her Portland Fire debut. Smalls had an electric 13 points in 14 mins, with 12 of those points coming from 4 well timed 3s. Smalls provided a much needed stability and veteran presence at guard and it was clear right away why she’s on this roster.
Now for the MVPs of the night…Bridget Carleton, Carla Leite, and of course the savior of the night Sarah Ashlee Barker. As the Fire gained possession with 13.8 seconds left in a 96-96 game, the crowd eagerly waited for what they hoped was history coming next. After a Bridget Carleton three (or pass if you ask her) missed horribly off the backboard, Barker crashed the board and got off a put back that Portland will never forget.
I’m grateful to be able to witness such a moment in Portland sports history. The Portland Fire are back…and we’re here to stay. Next game is tomorrow in a rematch vs the New York Liberty.
Thank you for reading and Go Fire!❤️🔥
