Portland Fire edge Connecticut Sun 83-82 in tight WNBA finish
Sarah Ashlee Barker and Bridget Carleton each contributed 18 points as Portland improved to 2-2, while Connecticut’s record slipped to 0-5 despite a strong shooting performance.
The Portland Fire secured a narrow 83-82 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Monday night, a win defined by late-game execution rather than dominant statistical superiority. The result improves Portland’s season record to 2-2, while the Sun remain winless at 0-5 following their fifth consecutive defeat.
The contest remained tightly contested until the final minute, with Connecticut holding a 42-38 lead at halftime after restricting Portland to just 13 points in the second quarter. The Sun shot 58 per cent from the field and 7 of 20 from three-point range, outperforming Portland’s 3 of 13 from deep. Saniya Rivers had tied the game at 64 with a coast-to-coast jumper at the end of the third quarter, setting the stage for a decisive final period.
The turning point arrived with 22.6 seconds remaining when Sug Sutton drove into the lane and sank a floater to extend Portland’s lead to 81-79. Connecticut had two chances on the subsequent possession, but Bridget Carleton secured a critical rebound and was fouled. Carleton converted both free throws with 9.7 seconds left, pushing the margin to four points.
Connecticut rookie Charlisse Leger-Walker responded with a three-pointer with 1.9 seconds remaining, drawing an offensive foul on Portland that gave the Sun one final opportunity. However, Aneesah Morrow’s half-court heave at the buzzer fell short, confirming the win for Portland.
In terms of individual contributions, Sarah Ashlee Barker and Bridget Carleton each scored 18 points for the Fire. Sutton finished with 12 points, supported by 15 from Emily Engstler and 10 from Nyadiew Puoch. Brittney Griner led Connecticut with 16 points, remaining one point shy of reaching 6,000 career points. Aneesah Morrow, Hailey Van Lith, and Aaliyah Edwards each added 12 points for the Sun.
The Sun will now conclude their five-game road trip with a match against Seattle on Wednesday. The game details were reported by the Associated Press and syndicated via Yahoo Sports.
