In a gripping WNBA encounter, the Portland Fire mounted a remarkable comeback, stunning the Phoenix Mercury with an 88-85 victory. This win marks a significant moment in the Fire's late-season surge, keeping their postseason aspirations alive. The game, held on a Sunday evening, was particularly poignant for the Mercury, who celebrated the illustrious career of their legendary player, Diana Taurasi, during a halftime ceremony.
Portland Fire Ignite Late Rally to Edge Phoenix Mercury in Memorable Matchup
On a Sunday evening in Phoenix, Arizona, August 16, 2026, the Portland Fire orchestrated a stunning reversal of fortune against the host Phoenix Mercury, securing an 88-85 triumph. The contest unfolded at the Mortgage Matchup Center, where the Mercury had a significant event planned, honoring WNBA career leading scorer Diana Taurasi with her induction into their Ring of Honor during the halftime festivities. Despite the celebratory atmosphere for the home team, it was the visiting Fire who stole the spotlight with their resilience.
Carla Leite, the dynamic guard for the Portland Fire, delivered an electrifying performance, particularly in the decisive fourth quarter, where she notched an impressive 15 of her total 23 points. Her clutch scoring was complemented by Megan DiLeo, who contributed 15 points to the Fire's cause. The Fire, an expansion team with a current record of 15-20, demonstrated remarkable fortitude by overcoming a nine-point deficit to clinch this pivotal victory. This win, their fourth in five games, fuels their belated but determined pursuit of the eighth and final playoff spot, positioning them five games behind the Dallas Wings.
The Phoenix Mercury, led by DeWanna Bonner's 23 points and four successful three-pointers, and Kahleah Copper's 19 points, had maintained a lead throughout the second half until the final minutes. Alyssa Thomas nearly achieved her third triple-double of the season, tallying 17 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, falling just one assist short. The turning point arrived when Leite's layup propelled the Fire into an 81-80 lead with just 1:53 left on the clock. Emily Engstler, who also chipped in nine points and seven rebounds for Portland, extended their advantage to 83-80 with a reverse layup at the 54.9-second mark.
The game's closing moments were fraught with tension. Copper's driving layup narrowed the Mercury's deficit to 83-82, but a crucial turnover by Phoenix after a Fire miss with 22.1 seconds remaining proved costly. Karlie Samuelson converted one of two free throws, and Bridget Carleton, who had nine points, executed a critical block on Copper's subsequent drive before sinking two free throws of her own with 9.7 seconds left, extending Portland's lead. Although Thomas stole the ball and banked in her first three-pointer of the season to bring the Mercury within one point at 86-85 with six seconds left, Leite calmly sank two more free throws. Sami Whitcomb's potential game-tying three-pointer at the buzzer unfortunately bounced off the rim, sealing the Fire's hard-fought victory. Whitcomb finished with 11 points for the Mercury (13-23), whose playoff aspirations were all but extinguished following this defeat. The Mercury also played without Kelsey Plum, a trade deadline acquisition, who missed her second consecutive game due to a left lower leg injury. DiLeo and Frieda Buhner each contributed three three-pointers, while Leite dished out five assists, showcasing her all-around impact.
This thrilling contest serves as a powerful reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the enduring spirit of competition. The Fire's ability to remain composed under pressure and execute crucial plays in the final minutes underscores the importance of mental fortitude and teamwork. For the Mercury, while the loss was disheartening, the evening provided an opportunity to celebrate a true legend of the game, Diana Taurasi, whose contributions to the sport and the team are immense. It highlights that even in defeat, there can be moments of profound significance and recognition.
