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

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

The Fire and 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 launched a three-pointer, but she didn’t hit the net.

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

It was the expansion franchise’s first victory.

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

Portland re-entered the fray with a new storyline in the 2026 season. The first iteration of the Fire entered the league in 2000. The team lasted through the 2002 season but never made the playoffs and folded before the start of the 2003 season.

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

The Liberty shot 53% from the floor and each of its starters scored in double figures. Pauline Astier had 24 points, leading the team. Breanna Stewart had 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/Imagn Images)

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Portland went 1-1 that year. New York fell to 2-1.