Carla Leite Leads Portland Fire to Comeback Win Over Phoenix Mercury
Carla Leite scored 23 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Portland Fire to an 88-85 comeback victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday. The win occurred during a night of celebrations in Phoenix dedicated to franchise icon Diana Taurasi, whose No. 3 jersey was officially retired.
The victory marks a significant moment for the expansion Fire, who now hold a 15-20 record. For Phoenix, the loss brings their record to 13-23, spoiling a night intended to honor the WNBA’s career scoring leader.
Leite’s Fourth Quarter Surge Overcomes Phoenix Lead
According to AP News, DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas combined for 12 points in the first quarter to establish a 22-18 lead. By halftime, the Mercury had extended that advantage to 42-36, fueled by Bonner’s 14 points.
Frieda Buhner and Megan DiLeo both connected on three-pointers to bring the Fire within three points, 64-61, heading into the final frame.
Leite took over the offense, scoring 15 of her 23 total points in the final ten minutes. She shot 9 for 15 from the field and contributed five assists. A late 6-0 run, capped by two baskets from Leite, put Portland ahead 81-80 with 1:12 remaining, according to AP News.
Katie Lou Samuelson hit the second of two foul shots with 20 seconds left to make it 84-82. Bridget Carleton then secured the win by blocking a shot from Kahleah Copper and sinking two free throws to push the lead to four. While Alyssa Thomas hit a late three-pointer, Carleton sank two free throws to finalize the 88-85 score.
Statistical Breakdown of the Fire-Mercury Clash
| Player | Team | Points | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carla Leite | Portland Fire | 23 | 9/15 FG, 5 Assists |
| DeWanna Bonner | Phoenix Mercury | 23 | 14 points by halftime |
| Kahleah Copper | Phoenix Mercury | 19 | 7 Rebounds |
| Alyssa Thomas | Phoenix Mercury | 17 | 11 Rebounds |
| Megan DiLeo | Portland Fire | 15 | Late 3-pointer in 3rd |
The Legacy of Diana Taurasi in Phoenix
The Mercury retired the No. 3 jersey of Diana Taurasi, who holds the record for the most career points in league history with 10,646. Over a 20-season career, Taurasi secured three championships with the Phoenix franchise, according to AP News.
Looking Ahead for Portland and Phoenix
The Portland Fire will look to carry this momentum into their next contest on Friday, where they travel to face the Toronto Tempo.
The Phoenix Mercury move their focus to Saturday, traveling to face the Atlanta Dream.