Portland Fire Stuns Liberty with Buzzer-Beater Win in First Victory of Season

The Portland Fire made history on Tuesday night, May 12, 2026, by defeating the New York Liberty 98-96 in their first WNBA victory of the season. The game, played at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, showcased the Fire’s resilience and emerging talent, culminating in a thrilling buzzer-beater that sent fans into a frenzy.

Sarah Ashlee-Barker’s Heroics Seal the Win

The defining moment arrived in the final seconds. With the score tied at 96, Bridget Carleton’s three-point attempt rimmed out, but Ashlee-Barker, a second-year forward, leaped to secure the offensive rebound and scored the game-winning layup as time expired. The play sent the crowd into a roar and cemented her status as a franchise hero.

"SARAH ASHLEE BARKER WINS IT FOR PORTLAND AT THE BUZZER OMGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!😭"
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) May 13, 2026

The Liberty, despite their roster challenges, entered the game as a formidable opponent. However, the Fire’s cohesive effort and clutch performances proved decisive.

Bridget Carleton Delivers Career Night

Bridget Carleton, the Fire’s 28-year-old star and No. 1 overall expansion draft pick, led the charge with a career-high 26 points. She shot 9-of-16 from the field, including 5-of-11 from three-point range, and added 4 steals in 33 minutes. The Canadian sharpshooter’s performance was instrumental, as the Fire outscored the Liberty by 12 points during her time on the court.

Carleton, who signed a three-year, $3.75 million maximum contract after being selected first in the expansion draft, silenced critics who questioned her ability to be a primary option in the WNBA. Her 26-point outburst marked a career milestone and validated the Fire’s investment in her.

Carla Leite Shines as Rising Star

Carla Leite, a 22-year-old guard, continued her strong start to the season with another 21-point performance, shooting 8-of-14 from the field and adding 6 assists. Her growth has been evident since her rookie season with the Golden State Valkyries, and she has quickly become a key contributor for the Fire.

Leite’s clutch play was on full display in the final minutes. With 27 seconds remaining, she drove past Liberty star Jonquel Jones for a layup to tie the game at 96, setting the stage for Ashlee-Barker’s game-winning heroics.

Liberty’s Challenges and Fire’s Underdog Story

While the Liberty boast stars like Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones, the team has faced early-season adversity with injuries to Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally. Despite these setbacks, the Fire’s victory over a veteran squad highlighted their potential and the impact of their developing roster.

The Fire, one of two expansion teams in the WNBA this season, entered the league with a roster built around strong role players rather than household names. Players like Carleton, Leite, and Ashlee-Barker have fought to earn their spots, and their performance against the Liberty demonstrated the value of depth and teamwork.

The win marks a historic milestone for the Fire, who fell to the Chicago Sky in their season opener. Their first victory of the season is a testament to their growth and the bright future ahead.