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*** Official 2026 ISU WBB in WNBA/Pro Basketball Thread ***

StClone said:
Brings a tear to my eye. So proud of our Maple Leaf Lass.
Click to expand...

She's one of the few players I've had a chance to chat with some. It was at an ISU Foundation thingie here in Mpls the summer after she graduated. Impressed me as a really genuine sweet person. It just reinforced her position as my all-time favorite.
 
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WIN! 81-74!


Portland Fire Edge New York Liberty 81–74​

The Portland Fire pulled off a surprising 81–74 win over the New York Liberty in a tightly contested WNBA matchup Yahoo Sports.

Game Summary​

The Fire, coming off a 3–3 record, held off the Liberty, who were 3–3, in a back-and-forth battle. Portland’s offense was led by Cassie Leite with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting, while Bridget Carleton added 10 points and Elena Engstler chipped in 8 points and 4 rebounds Yahoo Sports. The bench contributed key scoring from Samantha Barker (7 points) and Tobias Oblak (10 points, 4 assists), though Megan Gustafson struggled offensively Yahoo Sports.

The Liberty’s Breanna Stewart led their scoring with 25 points, but Portland’s defense and timely three-point shooting (9-of-26) kept them in control Yahoo Sports.

Key Stats​

  • Portland Fire: 31-75 FG, 9-26 3PT, 10-14 FT; 29 rebounds, 18 assists, 12 steals, 6 blocks Yahoo Sports.
  • New York Liberty: 18-31 FG, 15-24 3PT, 17-17 FT; 24 rebounds, 18 assists, 12 steals, 4 blocks Yahoo Sports.

Notable Performers​

  • Portland: Leite – 18 pts, Carleton – 10 pts, Engstler – 8 pts, Barker – 7 pts, Oblak – 10 pts Yahoo Sports.
  • Liberty: Stewart – 25 pts, Jones – 11 reb, Johannes – 4 stl, Engstler – 4 blk Yahoo Sports.

Context​

This win improved Portland’s record to 4–1, while the Liberty fell to 3–3. The game was notable for Portland’s defensive effort and balanced scoring, overcoming a Liberty run in the third quarter Yahoo Sports.

Final Score: Portland Fire 81 – New York Liberty 74 Yahoo Sports. YouTube
 
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I really enjoy watching the Fire. They play hard start to finish there are no "stars" that demand the ball they just play team ball. The projection was they might win 10 games this first season but if they can keep everyone healthy I believe they will surprise a number of teams.
 
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Portland Fire WNBA Attendance Record​

The Portland Fire set a historic attendance mark in their WNBA expansion debut, drawing a sellout crowd of 19,335 fans at the Moda Center for their May 13, 2026 regular-season opener against the Chicago Sky Just Women's Sports+1. This figure shattered the previous WNBA expansion team record of 18,064 set by the Golden State Valkyries in 2025 Just Women's Sports+1.

Significance of the Record​

  • All-time WNBA expansion team record: The 19,335 attendance is the largest for any WNBA expansion team’s home opener, underscoring the strong fan interest in women’s basketball in the Pacific Northwest Just Women's Sports+1.
  • Homecoming for women’s sports: The Fire’s return marks the franchise’s first season since folding in 2002, making the crowd a celebration of Portland’s deep-rooted support for women’s professional sports Just Women's Sports.
  • Market benchmark: The sellout sets a high bar for future WNBA franchises in the city, especially given that the Portland Thorns FC (NWSL) already led the league in attendance in 2025 NewsBreak.

Game Context​

  • The Fire lost the opener 98–83 to the Chicago Sky, but the atmosphere was electric, with fans rallying behind the “Fire Pit” nickname for the home court KATU.
  • On the court, rookie Carla Leite scored the first basket in franchise history, and the team showed flashes of promise with a strong third-quarter run Just Women's Sports+1.
In summary: The Portland Fire’s debut attendance of 19,335 not only broke an WNBA expansion record but also signaled Portland’s emergence as a top market for women’s professional sports.
 
Gustafson looking good getting tough around the rim and running the court and hit a 3 . BC first part of the half was playing strong.

BC nearly had a 3p, a layup and a steal, within minutes...but they made a questionable call on the steal-foul?

What is the black tape on top of BC's ear. I thought it was an injury last season but she has it again. Anyone?

Clark not so much.
 
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