PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Bridget Carleton poured in a career-high 26 points with five 3-pointers, and Sarah Ashlee Barker snatched an offensive rebound and scored just before the buzzer to give the expansion Portland Fire a 98-96 win over the New York Liberty on Tuesday night, securing the franchise’s first victory.
With 13.8 seconds left, New York was called for a three-second violation. Carleton’s long-range attempt caromed hard off the backboard without touching the rim, but Barker fought for the rebound and quickly put it back as her teammates mobbed her in celebration.
Carla Leite contributed 21 points and six assists for Portland (1-1). Luisa Geiselsoder and Kamiah Smalls each added 13 points, while Barker finished with five points in 22 minutes off the bench.
All five New York starters (2-1) reached double figures. Rookie Pauline Astier notched a season-high 24 points, Marine Johannes scored 18, Jonquel Jones had 17, Breanna Stewart posted 16 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton chipped in 10.
The two teams combined for 28 made 3-pointers. Carleton hit one with under three minutes remaining to give Portland a 94-91 lead. Johannes then tied the game at 94 with 1:54 left, drilling an off-balance 3-pointer as the shot clock expired.
New York was again short-handed. Sabrina Ionescu, sidelined with a left foot injury, was spotted before the game wearing an Oregon sweatshirt while hugging her former Ducks coach Kelly Graves.
Portland drew another large crowd, following up the second-largest home opener in WNBA history with 19,335 fans on Saturday.
Up next: New York remains in Portland for the second game of a back-to-back on Thursday.
