Portland Fire claimed an 84–82 road win over Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena on Friday, with Holly Winterburn’s 20 points providing the pivotal scoring edge in a tense fourth-quarter finish. Seattle produced 28 points in the final period, but Portland preserved its narrow advantage in front of 12,596.
The Fire established their platform early, taking the opening quarter 26–16 before adding 22 more points in the second to carry a 48–36 lead into halftime. Portland’s cleaner shot selection proved important throughout: the visitors converted 31 of 72 attempts for 43.1 percent, compared with Seattle’s 27 of 81 at 33.3 percent.
Seattle responded after the break, limiting Portland to 14 points in the third quarter and reducing the deficit to 62–54 entering the final period. The Storm then found their best attacking rhythm of the evening in the fourth, making a sustained push through perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities. Their 14 made three-pointers gave them a route back into the fixture, but the early gap ultimately proved just too much to recover.
Portland’s execution across the first three quarters gave it enough margin to absorb Seattle’s late pressure. The Fire also moved the ball effectively, finishing with 22 assists to the Storm’s 18, while their 43 rebounds ensured Seattle’s 45-rebound edge did not become decisive.
Key performers
Winterburn was Portland’s standout, posting 20 points, seven rebounds and three steals in a composed all-around display. Bridget Carleton added nine rebounds, while Carla Leite supplied six assists to guide the Fire’s ball movement.
For Seattle, Awa Fam matched Winterburn’s 20-point total and added nine rebounds. Dominique Malonga was influential on the glass with 12 rebounds and contributed five assists, helping the Storm create the late momentum that made the closing stages so competitive.
NerdSports Stat: Portland made six more two-point baskets than Seattle, a margin that proved decisive despite the Storm making two more three-pointers and four more free throws.
The result moves Portland to 14–20, strengthening its road record to 6–10, while Seattle falls to 7–29 after a valiant but incomplete comeback. The Fire will look to carry the efficiency of this performance into their next fixture, while the Storm must turn their fourth-quarter urgency into a more consistent 40-minute display.
Frequently Asked Questions
No goals were recorded in this basketball fixture. Holly Winterburn led Portland with 20 points; no goal-minute data applies.
Seattle Storm 82 – 84 Portland Fire.
Portland improved to 14–20, while Seattle dropped to 7–29. No confirmed league positions were provided.
Holly Winterburn was the standout performer with 20 points, seven rebounds and three steals.
