Portland Fire Hold Off New York Liberty in Thrilling 98-96 Victory

The Portland Fire edged the New York Liberty 98-96 in an electrifying Women's National Basketball Association matchup on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The game, played in front of a packed crowd in Portland, delivered high-scoring drama right down to the final buzzer.

Match Overview

Both teams came out firing in what quickly became an up-tempo, offensive showcase. The Liberty, one of the league's premier teams, relied on their star-studded roster and three-point shooting. Portland, a side looking to prove they belong among the WNBA's elite, matched firepower with relentless drives to the basket and second-chance points.

Key Moments and Turning Points

• First-half fireworks: Portland built a 54-48 halftime lead, capitalizing on fast breaks and New York's early foul trouble. The Fire's starting guards combined for 30 points before the break.
• Liberty's fourth-quarter push: New York erased a 12-point deficit in the final period, tying the game at 93-93 with two minutes left. A pair of deep three-pointers from their All-Star forward sparked the rally.
• Clutch finish: With the score knotted at 96-96, Portland's point guard drove the lane and scored a contested layup with 3.2 seconds remaining. New York's last-second half-court heave fell short, giving the Fire a dramatic win.

Standout Players

Portland Fire: The hero of the night was Portland's lead guard, who finished with 28 points, 8 assists, and the game-winning basket. A forward added a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds, dominating the paint on both ends. The Fire's bench also delivered 24 crucial points.

New York Liberty: New York's offense was paced by their star center, who scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. She was virtually unstoppable in the post, but foul trouble in the first half limited her minutes. The Liberty's perimeter shooters combined for 12 three-pointers, keeping them in the game until the end.

Tactical Story

Portland's game plan centered on attacking the rim and drawing fouls, a strategy that paid off as they earned 28 free-throw attempts (making 22). New York, conversely, relied on jump shots and spacing, but their 15 turnovers proved costly. The Fire's defensive intensity in the final minute forced a key stop that set up the winning possession.

Season and Standings Context

For Portland, this victory serves as a statement win early in the 2026 WNBA season, boosting their confidence against a perennial contender. New York, despite the loss, remains near the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but they will need to tighten their defense in close games. The result underscores the competitive depth of the league this season.

Final Score Summary

Portland Fire 98 – New York Liberty 96. The Fire look to build on this momentum when they host their next opponent, while the Liberty return home seeking redemption.