Portland Fire 100 - Seattle Storm 93 (8/8/2026): Fire's Hot Shooting Seals Win

The Portland Fire claimed a hard-fought 100-93 win against the Seattle Storm at the Moda Center on Saturday evening. This victory improved Portland’s record to 13-19 in the Western Conference, while Seattle’s struggles continued as they fell to 6-28. The fans in attendance witnessed a game that was competitive from start to finish, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities.

Portland and Seattle exchanged blows in the first quarter, with the Storm narrowly taking a 30-27 lead. Dominique Malonga led the charge for Seattle in the early stages, bringing her team the energy they needed. However, Portland adjusted quickly, thanks to a solid team effort on both ends of the floor.

Second Quarter Surge

In the second quarter, the Fire found their rhythm, outscoring the Storm 29-17. Portland's shooting from beyond the arc was particularly effective, with the team hitting 41.7% of their three-point attempts by the end of the night. This offensive flurry allowed the Fire to head into halftime with a 56-47 advantage.

Seattle attempted to regroup during the halftime break and returned with renewed intensity. The Storm managed to cut into Portland's lead during the third quarter by scoring 23 points to Portland's 19. Despite their efforts, the Fire's defense held strong, keeping them ahead going into the final quarter.

Final Quarter Drama

The fourth quarter saw both teams fighting for every possession, with Portland determined to maintain their lead. The Fire managed to secure key rebounds and make crucial free throws, finishing the game with an impressive 85% from the line. Their ability to execute in these critical moments was instrumental in sealing the victory.

Seattle’s Dominique Malonga continued to shine, finishing with a team-high 21 points and 9 rebounds. Her performance was complemented by Ezi Magbegor, who contributed 7 points and 6 assists. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the balanced attack of the Fire.

Portland's Holly Winterburn played a pivotal role for her team, dishing out 7 assists and contributing 4 points. Meanwhile, the combined efforts of Serah Williams and others helped keep the Fire's offense clicking. Their teamwork and efficiency were evident in their 51.5% field goal percentage.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Portland extends their winning streak to two games, providing a much-needed morale boost as they prepare to host the Minnesota Lynx on August 12. A home court advantage may continue to favor them, as they boast a balanced home record of 8-9.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm will look to rebound quickly as they return to the Climate Pledge Arena to face the Chicago Sky on August 10. Despite their current losing streak, the Storm will aim to capitalize on their home advantage, where they have secured four of their six wins this season.

Both teams will need to refine their strategies and address any shortcomings as they proceed into the latter stages of the regular season. The Fire’s recent performances hint at a potential late-season push, while the Storm are in search of a turning point in their challenging season.