The Portland Fire announced their return to the WNBA with a dramatic finish Tuesday night, defeating the New York Liberty 98-96 on a putback at the buzzer.
Bridget Carleton's three-pointer with seconds remaining bounced off the rim, but Sarah Ashlee Barker grabbed the rebound and put it back as the clock expired.
"For a team trying to reclaim glory from the ashes, the symbolism couldn't have been more perfect," as the franchise returns after folding in 2003.
Carleton led Portland with 26 points and five three-pointers. Carla Leite added 21 points and Kamiah Smalls contributed 13 off the bench. Barker finished with five points in 22 minutes off the bench.
New York shot 53% from the floor but couldn't hold on late. Pauline Astier led the Liberty with 24 points, and Breanna Stewart added 16 points and 10 rebounds. Every Liberty starter scored in double figures.
The Fire improved to 1-1 on the season. New York fell to 2-1.
