Portland Fire’s Sarah Ashlee Barker hits buzzer to beat Liberty

The Portland Fire earned their first win in franchise history in dramatic fashion Tuesday night.

The Fire and the New York Liberty were tied 96-96 with less than six seconds left. Portland had what would be the final possession. Fire guard Bridget Carleton hit a three-pointer but missed.

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Portland’s Sarah Ashlee Barker somehow collected the rebound and shot before the buzzer sounded. Barker’s shot went in and Portland won the game, 98-96.

It was the first victory for the expansion franchise.

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New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier scores a three-point basket during the second half against the Portland Fire at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, on May 12, 2026. (Troy Wayrynen/Image Images)

Portland re-entered the fray with a new story during the 2026 season. The first version of the Fire came into the league in 2000. The team lasted through the 2002 season, but never made the playoffs and folded before the 2003 season began.

Carleton led the team with 26 points and made five 3-pointers. Barker played 22 minutes off the bench for Portland and scored five points, the most crucial in the final moments. Carla Leite added 21 and Kamiah Smalls had 13 off the bench.

Liberty shot 53% from the field and each of their starters scored in double figures. Pauline Astier scored 24 points, leading the team. Breanna Stewart scored 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Portland Fire players Haley Jones, Bridget Carleton, Emily Engstler and Luisa Geiselsoder gather before a game against the New York Liberty at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, on May 12, 2026. (Troy Wayrynen/Image Images)

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Portland moved to 1-1 on the year. New York fell to 2-1.