In a thrilling WNBA matchup, Carla Leite showcased her scoring prowess by netting 20 points, leading the expansion Portland Fire to their third consecutive victory against the Connecticut Sun. The game took place in Portland and saw the Fire’s momentum build after previous road wins against the Toronto Tempo and the New York Liberty.
Game Highlights
The Connecticut Sun struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the first half, where they shot 0 for 13 from beyond the arc. Despite a late-game surge, the Sun could not hold on to their lead after leading 55-50 with just over eight minutes remaining.
Key Contributions
- Carla Leite: 20 points
- Bridget Carleton: 13 points
- Aneesah Morrow (Sun): 13 points, 13 rebounds
In a crucial moment, Teja Oblak helped the Fire close the gap, scoring back-to-back baskets. Frieda Buhner’s layup pushed Portland into the lead at 58-55, which they maintained for the remainder of the game.
Connecticut’s Struggles
The Sun faced difficulties throughout the match, particularly as Brittney Griner was sidelined due to a right rib injury. Griner was just one point shy of reaching a career milestone of 6,000 points prior to the game.
Game Recap
The full breakdown of scoring reflects the competitive nature of the game:
- Portland Fire led by Carla Leite’s 20 points.
- Connecticut Sun struggled without key players, finishing the game with only one victory this season.
The Fire’s successful strategy and teamwork secured their third straight win and showcased their potential as they continue to build their legacy in the league.
