Bridget Carleton’s seven 3s fuel Portland Fire to 94-89 Commissioner’s Cup win over Seattle Storm
Bridget Carleton drills a career-high seven three-pointers and scores 24 to lift the Portland Fire to a 94-89 victory over the Seattle Storm in Commissioner’s Cup play. Carla Leite added 20 points and 10 assists as the expansion Fire improved to 8-9, while Seattle fell to 3-13 despite a 28-point, 11-rebound night from Dominique Malonga.
Carleton heats up from beyond the arc
Bridget Carleton sank seven 3-pointers, a career best, and provided the offensive spark Portland needed to pull away at key moments. Her hot shooting forced Seattle to adjust defensively and opened driving lanes that the Fire exploited late in the game.
Carleton’s attack came in a mix of catch-and-shoot looks and quick off-dribble triples that kept the Storm scrambling. Her perimeter performance was the difference in a five-point final margin and changed the dynamic of the contest.
Leite’s playmaking complements Portland’s scoring
Carla Leite finished with 20 points and a game-high 10 assists, orchestrating much of Portland’s offense with steady ball distribution. Leite’s ability to find cutting teammates and hit timely shots balanced the Fire’s outside barrage and sustained scoring runs.
Leite also contributed defensively, generating transition opportunities after active hands and timely rebounds. Her dual-threat game provided veteran stability for an expansion squad still finding a consistent identity.
Malonga records career-high but Storm fall short
Dominique Malonga posted a career-high 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Seattle, delivering one of the few consistent offensive threats for the Storm. Malonga’s scoring included a mix of drives, midrange work and strong finishes inside the paint.
Despite Malonga’s double-double, Seattle struggled to find secondary scoring and defensive stops when it mattered most. The Storm’s offense tightened in the closing minutes, and turnovers on a few late possessions handed Portland decisive possessions.
Momentum swings and key turning points
The first half featured several lead changes as both teams traded runs and defensive stands. Portland’s bench, highlighted by Karlie Samuelson’s 10 points, provided a scoring lift that complemented the starters’ production.
Late in the second half Portland executed a short burst that stretched the margin and forced Seattle into higher-risk offensive sets. Missed free throws and a pair of costly turnovers hampered the Storm’s comeback attempts in the final minutes.
Bench contributions and game management
Sarah Ashlee Barker added 12 points and helped Portland maintain offensive spacing when starters rested. The Fire’s depth allowed coach rotations that preserved energy for end-of-game situations and kept the team competitive across four quarters.
Portland’s bench scoring proved decisive as Seattle had fewer reliable options beyond Malonga. The ability of reserve players to convert key possessions underscored the Fire’s balanced performance.
Implications for standings and next matchups
The win moves the Portland Fire to 8-9 overall and strengthens their position in Commissioner’s Cup play, where margin and momentum can influence seeding and confidence. For Seattle, the loss drops the Storm to 3-13 and highlights the need for more consistent support around their leading scorer.
Both teams will look to adjust before their next outings, with the Storm scheduled to visit Phoenix and the Fire set to play in Chicago. Those matchups present immediate opportunities to address rotation questions and evaluate in-game strategies.
Bridget Carleton’s hot shooting and Carla Leite’s all-around game delivered a timely victory for Portland, while Dominique Malonga’s career night provided a bright spot for Seattle despite the outcome. The result reshapes short-term outlooks for both clubs as the Commissioner’s Cup schedule progresses.
