Fever Edge Fire in First-Ever Meeting: Indiana 92, Portland 80

The Indiana Fever used a dominant second-half performance to defeat the Portland Fire 92-80 in the first-ever meeting between the two teams at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Caitlin Clark led the way with a stellar display, while Aliyah Boston dominated the paint. The Fire, in their first road game in franchise history, showed promise but ultimately fell short.

Portland entered the game with energy and confidence, riding a thrilling 83-82 win over Connecticut. Bridget Carleton and Sarah Ashlee Barker combined for 36 points in that victory, and they continued to shine early in this matchup. Carleton scored 18 points with five rebounds and three steals, while Barker added 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting. The Fire stayed within four at halftime, fueled by their fearless play on the road.

However, the Fever took control in the third quarter. Clark, the WNBA’s premier playmaker, orchestrated the offense with 21.8 points and 7.8 assists per game this season. She hit a crucial three-pointer with 5:32 remaining in the period to give Indiana a 68-62 lead. Aliyah Boston, who averages 16.2 points and 9.4 rebounds, anchored the defense and offense, using her size to secure key buckets.

Emily Engstler and Sug Sutton tried to keep Portland in the game, but Indiana’s ball movement and experience proved too much. The Fever outscored the Fire 28-16 in the third quarter, pulling away for a decisive lead. With the win, Indiana improves to 3-2 on the season, while Portland drops to 2-3.

Clark finished the night with 24 points and nine assists, nearly recording her third triple-double of the season. Boston added 19 points and 12 rebounds for the double-double. For the Fire, Carleton and Barker each scored 18 points, but they struggled to convert down the stretch.

The Fever now sit in third place in the Eastern Conference, behind only the Chicago Sky and New York Liberty. The Fire remain in the middle of the pack but have shown they can compete with anyone when their shooting is on.

The Fire will return to Portland for their home opener on Saturday against the Las Vegas Aces. The Fever will look to continue their momentum when they host the Washington Mystics on Sunday. Both teams are proving that the 2026 WNBA season is wide open and full of surprises.