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Source: Fox News
Summary
The Portland Fire, a WNBA expansion franchise, won their first game in franchise history 98-96 against the New York Liberty. The game was tied with under six seconds remaining, and Sarah Ashlee Barker made a shot at the buzzer to win it. Bridget Carleton led the team with 26 points, and Carla Leite added 21. The Liberty shot 53% from the floor, with Pauline Astier scoring 24 points.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Bridget Carleton chucked up a 3-pointer, and it was off the mark. But Sarah Ashlee Barker collected the rebound and put a shot up before the buzzer sounded. The shot went in, and Portland won 98-96.
It’s a moment fans will remember, but the Fire will need to build on this momentum. They re-entered the fray with a new history, having previously folded in 2003.
This one felt recognizable early, as the Fire struggled to find their footing. But they persevered and picked up their first win in franchise history.
The result wasn’t surprising by the end, given the Fire’s slow start and the Liberty’s strong shooting.
Original Observation: The Fire’s first win will be remembered, but it’s just one step forward – they still have a long way to go to make up for lost time.
Author: Evan Null
