Portland Fire Triumphs Over Golden State Valkyries in OT
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Moda Center
Portland Fire 90, Golden State Valkyries 82, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Golden State Valkyries vs Portland Fire?
Portland Fire beat Golden State Valkyries 90-82 at Moda Center on September 22, 2026.
Who was favored in Golden State Valkyries vs Portland Fire?
Golden State Valkyries were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -900 (about 90% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling overtime finish, the Portland Fire defeated the Golden State Valkyries 90-82 at the Moda Center on September 23, 2026. This victory marked a significant moment for the Fire, who had been struggling throughout the season, particularly against the Valkyries, who had previously dominated the series with a 3-1 record. The win not only broke a four-game losing streak for Portland but also showcased their resilience in a tightly contested match.
The Fire entered the game with a home record of 17-27 and had been struggling in their last ten games, posting a record of 3-7 with an average of 84.0 points scored and 90.0 points allowed. Their recent form had seen them lose their last four matches, including a previous defeat to the Valkyries just days prior on September 19, where they lost 66-82. In contrast, the Golden State Valkyries boasted a strong away record of 31-12 and had been in excellent form, winning eight of their last ten games, with a current winning streak of six games. They averaged 79.1 points scored and only allowed 67.3 points during this stretch.
In terms of home and away performance, the Fire had struggled at home, with a 0-3 record in their last three home games, while the Valkyries had performed well on the road, holding a 4-1 record in their last five away games. The Fire's previous meetings with the Valkyries this season had ended in defeats, including a loss at home on August 30, where they fell 69-86.
Injuries played a significant role in the context of this match, with the Fire missing several key players: Holly Winterburn (back), Nyadiew Puoch (knee), Teja Oblak (knee), Luisa Geiselsoder (personal reasons), and Sarah Ashlee Barker (knee). The Valkyries were also without Iliana Rupert, who was out for non-injury related reasons. These absences undoubtedly affected both teams' strategies and depth.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Valkyries as heavy favorites, with a spread of 13.5 points and a moneyline of -900, indicating strong confidence in their ability to win. The total points line was set at 158.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive scoring match.
The game conditions at the Moda Center were conducive to a high-energy matchup, with both teams looking to make a statement. Fans were treated to a back-and-forth contest that saw the Fire rally in the second half after trailing for much of the game. Key moments included a series of scoring plays in overtime that highlighted the Fire's determination and skill, particularly from Carla Leite, who made critical shots to secure the win.
As the game progressed into overtime, Kayla Thornton initially gave the Valkyries a lead with a three-point jumper, but the Fire responded quickly. Charisma Osborne matched Thornton's shot, tying the game at 82-82. Leite then took over, scoring multiple times, including a driving layup and a step-back jump shot that put the Fire ahead for good. The final moments saw the Fire extend their lead through free throws, sealing their hard-fought victory.
This match not only provided a much-needed boost for the Portland Fire but also served as a reminder of the competitive spirit of the WNBA, where any team can rise to the occasion and deliver an unforgettable performance.
What we said beforehand
The Portland Fire will host the Golden State Valkyries at the Moda Center on September 23, 2026, in a matchup that highlights the stark contrast in their recent performances. The Valkyries enter the game with a strong away record of 31-11, while the Fire have struggled with a home record of 16-27. Golden State leads the season series 3-0, having won all previous encounters decisively.
In their last five games, the Fire have recorded one victory against the Atlanta Dream (101-83) but have lost four consecutive matches, including two against the Valkyries. Their most recent loss was a 105-84 defeat to the Los Angeles Sparks. Over these games, Portland has averaged 82.2 points scored while allowing 90.0 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, the Valkyries are on a six-game winning streak, having recently defeated the Seattle Storm (70-57) and the Fire twice, showcasing their defensive strength by allowing only 67.3 points on average during this stretch.
When considering home versus away performance, the Fire have a home record of 0-3 in their last three games, while the Valkyries boast a robust away record of 4-1 in their last five away games. This disparity in form is significant, especially as the Fire have averaged only 84.0 points at home while conceding 90.0 points, compared to the Valkyries' average of 79.1 points scored and 67.3 points allowed in their away games.
In terms of injuries, the Fire will be without several key players: Holly Winterburn (back), Nyadiew Puoch (knee), Teja Oblak (knee), Luisa Geiselsoder (personal), and Sarah Ashlee Barker (knee). The absence of these players could severely impact the Fire's ability to compete against a well-rounded Valkyries squad. The Valkyries will also be missing Iliana Rupert, but their depth has allowed them to maintain their winning form despite this setback.
The betting market reflects the Valkyries' dominance, with DraftKings listing them as 13.5-point favorites. The total for the game is set at 158.5, with both the over and under priced at -110. These odds suggest that the market expects a significant victory for the Valkyries, in line with their recent performances against the Fire.
As the game approaches, conditions at the Moda Center will be crucial for both teams. Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere as the Fire look to leverage their home court advantage, despite their recent struggles. Viewers should watch for Carla Leite of the Fire, who leads her team with an average of 16.0 points and 6.3 assists per game, as she will need to step up in the absence of her teammates. For the Valkyries, Gabby Williams, averaging 14.3 points, will be a key player to watch, alongside Veronica Burton, who leads in assists with 5.7 per game. This matchup promises to be a compelling clash between a struggling home team and a confident away team, with the Valkyries looking to extend their dominance in the series.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | GS -13.5 | 158.5 o -110 / u -110 | Golden State Valkyries -900 · Portland Fire +600 |
Injury report
- Holly WinterburnOutBackPortland Fire
- Nyadiew PuochOutKneePortland Fire
- Teja OblakOutKneePortland Fire
- Luisa GeiselsoderOutPersonalPortland Fire
- Sarah Ashlee BarkerOutKneePortland Fire
- Iliana RupertOutNot Injury RelatedGolden State Valkyries
Leaders
- PointsBridget Carleton26Portland Fire
- AssistsJordan Harrison10Portland Fire
- ReboundsEmily Engstler11Portland Fire
- PointsGabby Williams17Golden State Valkyries
- AssistsVeronica Burton8Golden State Valkyries
- ReboundsVeronica Burton7Golden State Valkyries
Recent form
Portland Fire
Last 10: 3-7Streak L484 scored · 90 allowed per game0-3 at home
- L84-105at Los Angeles SparksSep 20
- L66-82at Golden State ValkyriesSep 19
- L91-94vs Phoenix MercurySep 18
- L69-86vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 30
- W101-83at Atlanta DreamAug 28
- L78-96at Dallas WingsAug 26
- L100-105vs Washington MysticsAug 23
- L79-82at Toronto TempoAug 22
- W88-85at Phoenix MercuryAug 16
- W84-82at Seattle StormAug 15
Golden State Valkyries
Last 10: 8-2Streak W679.1 scored · 67.3 allowed per game4-1 away
- W70-57vs Seattle StormSep 20
- W82-66vs Portland FireSep 19
- W86-69at Portland FireAug 30
- W79-60at New York LibertyAug 28
- W89-64at Connecticut SunAug 26
- W80-66at Minnesota LynxAug 25
- L70-73at Chicago SkyAug 21
- L66-77vs Minnesota LynxAug 20
- W78-70vs Dallas WingsAug 18
- W91-71vs Chicago SkyAug 13
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 11 | L1 | .744 | 32 |
| Golden State | 1 | 12 | L1 | .721 | 31 |
| Las Vegas | 2 | 13 | W6 | .698 | 30 |
| Dallas | 6 | 17 | L1 | .605 | 26 |
| Portland | 15.5 | 27 | W1 | .386 | 17 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 27 | L1 | .372 | 16 |
| Phoenix | 16 | 27 | W1 | .372 | 16 |
| Seattle | 24 | 35 | L4 | .186 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Golden State Valkyries | Portland Fire |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-66 | 29-74 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 8-31 | 10-36 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 28 |
| Free throws | 22-30 | 22-23 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 96 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 25 |
| Assists | 22 | 21 |
| Steals | 5 | 5 |
| Blocks | 6 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 2 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 34 |
| Fouls | 28 | 26 |
| Largest lead | 17 | 8 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 72 | 11 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter58-53Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter58-54Carla Leite makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-54Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-54Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-56Megan DiLeo makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter61-56Tiffany Hayes makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-57Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-58Carla Leite makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-58Tiffany Hayes makes 4-foot two point shot (Gabby Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter63-60Charisma Osborne makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter63-61Jordan Harrison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-62Jordan Harrison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter63-64Frieda Buhner makes 3-foot turnaround jump shot (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 4th Quarter63-66Bridget Carleton makes two point shot (Jordan Harrison assists)
- 4th Quarter65-66Tiffany Hayes makes 9-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter65-68Jordan Harrison makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter66-68Veronica Burton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter67-68Veronica Burton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-68Gabby Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Veronica Burton assists)
- 4th Quarter72-68Kaila Charles makes layup (Kayla Thornton assists)
- 4th Quarter75-68Tiffany Hayes makes 23-foot three point jumper (Gabby Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter75-69Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-70Carla Leite makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-72Bridget Carleton makes running layup (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter75-74Megan DiLeo makes 3-foot layup (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter75-76Carla Leite makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter75-77Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter77-77Gabby Williams makes driving layup (Tiffany Hayes assists)
- OT78-77Gabby Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT79-77Gabby Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT79-78Bridget Carleton makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT79-79Bridget Carleton makes free throw 2 of 2
- OT82-79Kayla Thornton makes 26-foot three point jumper (Gabby Williams assists)
- OT82-82Charisma Osborne makes 26-foot three point jumper (Carla Leite assists)
- OT82-84Carla Leite makes driving layup
- OT82-86Carla Leite makes 20-foot step back jumpshot
- OT82-87Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 1
- OT82-88Bridget Carleton makes technical free throw
- OT82-89Emily Engstler makes free throw 1 of 2
- OT82-90Emily Engstler makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Portland Fire, below favours Golden State Valkyries.
Venue
- Moda CenterPortland, OR
- Attendance14815
- OfficialsTiara Cruse, Toni Patillo, Jason Alabanza
Elsewhere
- Fire vs. Golden State Valkyries - Game Highlights
- A'ja Wilson powers the Aces past the Sparks, clinching at least a No. 3 seed
- Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks - Game Highlights
- Lynx pull starters vs. Fever but clinch 1-seed with Valkyries' loss
- Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell help Fever keep home-court hope alive with 96-77 win over Lynx
- Fever knock off the Lynx at home
- Mystics beat Sun, set franchise record with 27th win
- Chicago Sky vs. Toronto Tempo - Game Highlights
WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Valkyries Dominate Fire in WNBA ShowdownSep 18, 2026
- Valkyries Dominate Fire in WNBA MatchupAug 30, 2026
- Valkyries Dominate Fire with 95-77 VictoryJun 2, 2026