The Portland Fire set off first-win fireworks on Tuesday, topping New York 98-96 behind a Sarah Ashlee Barker put-back buzzer-beater to cap a dramatic WNBA slate.
Liberty rookie Pauline Astier exploded for 24 points in the first half, before the 2026 expansion side stormed back to secure the debut victory.
“It’s very special,” Barker, who was dealing with undisclosed family issues before the game, said postgame. “But I think the thing that I’ll remember the most is how much we had each other’s backs.”
“What she has gone through the last 24 hours, it’s emotional,” Fire forward Bridget Carleton said of her teammate. “I’m really, really proud and happy that we can all be there for her and, and she gets to embrace this moment.”
WNBA Rookie Olivia Miles Lifts Minnesota Over Phoenix
Portland wasn’t the night’s only underdog, as Minnesota rookie Olivia Miles powered the Lynx over 2025 runner-up Phoenix 88-84.
With star Napheesa Collier sidelined, Minnesota saw six players hit double-digit scoring — including Miles’s 13 points, six rebounds, and seven assists — stifling Mercury guard Kahleah Copper’s 30-point performance.
“We’re happy with the overall response,” Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve said. “To out-rebound these guys like we did was key to winning the game.”
Lynx vs. Wings, Liberty vs. Fire Headline WNBA on Prime
Both teams are at it again tomorrow on Prime, as Minnesota faces Dallas at 8 PM ET before New York has another run at Portland at 10 PM ET.
