The Portland Fire defeated the Connecticut Sun 86-81 in a tightly contested 2026 WNBA matchup at the Moda Center on Monday, May 18. The expansion Fire improved to 2-2 on the season, while the Sun remain winless at 0-4.
Bridget Carleton led the Fire with a game-high 26 points, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and hitting six three-pointers. Carla Leite added 14 points and five assists, helping Portland's offense move the ball efficiently in transition. The Fire's interior duo of Luisa Geiselsöder and Megan Gustafson combined for 22 points and 14 rebounds, holding Connecticut's Aneesah Morrow and Aaliyah Edwards to a combined 24 points and 16 boards.
Connecticut's Hailey Van Lith responded with a strong performance, scoring 17 points after coming off the bench. The rookie guard has averaged 15.3 points per game this season, and her quickness and shooting helped keep the Sun competitive. Aneesah Morrow posted her fourth consecutive double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, but struggled to find consistent support from her teammates.
The game turned in the fourth quarter when Portland's home-court energy surged. Carleton hit two clutch three-pointers in the final two minutes, and Saniya Rivers was unable to match the intensity on the perimeter. The Fire outscored Connecticut 22-17 in the final period to seal the win.
With the victory, Portland moves to 2-2 on the season, while the Sun remain winless and in last place in the Eastern Conference. The Fire have now won two of their last three games at the Moda Center, showing promise for their inaugural season.
Connecticut will look to break through with their first win when they return home to take on the Chicago Sky on Thursday, May 21. The Fire will host the Seattle Storm the same night in their next home game.
This game was streamed live on Fubo.
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