A Battle of Momentum in the Pacific Northwest
The Portland Fire and Seattle Storm entered the arena with contrasting recent form, and the game quickly evolved into a showcase of resilience and tactical adjustments. Portland seized an early edge, building a modest lead that fluctuated throughout the first half, while Seattle clung to a slim deficit that kept the crowd on edge.
A pivotal third‑quarter stretch turned the tide decisively. Leite ignited the Fire with two early three‑point plays, and the team capitalized on a 22‑10 run that stretched their halftime advantage into a comfortable cushion. The Fire never looked back, maintaining control for the remainder of the contest.
Leite's performance was the centerpiece of the victory. She finished with 20 points, shooting 4‑of‑8 from the field and perfect on 12 free‑throw attempts, while also dishing out four assists. Her composure at the line proved crucial in the closing minutes, allowing Portland to preserve the lead despite a late push from Seattle.
Supporting contributions came from several teammates. Bridget Carleton added 14 points and seven rebounds, while Megan Gustafson chipped in 10 points and nine boards, including a timely three‑pointer that pushed the lead to 41‑38. Dominique Malonga led the Storm with 22 points, and Natisha Hiedeman contributed 15, but their efforts were insufficient to overcome Portland's surge.
The Fire's defensive adjustments paid dividends, limiting Seattle to just 10 points in the second period and forcing a series of turnovers that translated into fast‑break opportunities. Emily Engstler's early double‑digit effort and Awa Fam's 12 points further enriched the offensive spread, while Flau’jae Johnson's season‑low one point highlighted the depth of the roster.
With the win, Portland improves to 1‑3 on a four‑game road trip and looks to build momentum as they prepare for a home showdown against the Las Vegas Aces. Seattle, meanwhile, falls to 0‑12 against Western Conference opponents and will aim to rebound when they face the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday.