Full Breakdown
Portland Fire Extend Winning Streak with 71-61 Victory Over Connecticut Sun
5/28/2026, 10:41:02 PM
Game Summary
On Wednesday night in Portland, Oregon, the expansion Portland Fire defeated the Connecticut Sun 71–61, marking the Fire’s third straight win. The Fire entered after road wins over Toronto and New York. The Sun, with one win, led 55–50 with 8:04 left, but Teja Oblak’s two baskets and Frieda Buhner’s layup shifted momentum. Buhner’s layup at 4:25 put the Fire ahead 58–55, a lead they kept through the final minutes.
Early-Season Context
The Fire, a new franchise, are 3-0, all on the road. The Sun are 1-3 and shot 0-13 from three in the first half.
Key Performers
Carla Leite led Portland with 20 points; Bridget Carleton added 13. Oblak’s fourth-quarter baskets were pivotal. Buhner added two layups. For Connecticut, Aneesah Moorow posted 13 points and 13 rebounds. Brittney Griner, who had 16 points in the prior game, missed due to a right rib injury. Center Aaliyah Edwards left after a collision with Sarah Ashlee Barker, who received a flagrant foul for the nose injury.
Statistical Highlights
Official Team Statements
The Sun confirmed Griner’s absence was due to a right rib injury, noting she is one point from 6,000 career points. The team said Edwards suffered a nose injury and missed both free throws before exiting. The league recorded a flagrant foul on Barker.
Why It Matters
Portland’s 3-0 start, including three straight wins, gives the expansion team early momentum and a positive record. Connecticut’s 1-3 record, combined with a first-half 0-13 three-point shooting performance and the loss of Brittney Griner to a rib injury, highlights challenges that may affect its ability to compete in the early schedule. The injuries to Aaliyah Edwards and the flagrant foul on Sarah Ashlee Barker also underscore the physical intensity of the matchup and could impact roster availability in upcoming games.
Impact and Upcoming Schedule
Portland’s unbeaten start positions the Fire as an early contender heading into a home game against the Atlanta Dream on Friday. Connecticut must improve perimeter shooting and address injuries before facing the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday at Peoples Bank Arena, the Sparks’ first Hartford game since 2003.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source provides no medical details on Edwards’ prognosis or Griner’s rib injury, and includes no player or coach quotes.
