Sparks Edge Fire in Close Contest at Moda Center
Sunday, August 2, 2026, 3:30 PM ET · Moda Center
Los Angeles Sparks 106, Portland Fire 101, 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 Los Angeles Sparks vs Portland Fire?
Los Angeles Sparks beat Portland Fire 106-101 at Moda Center on August 2, 2026.
In a closely contested matchup, the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Portland Fire 106-101 at the Moda Center on August 2, 2026. This victory marks the Sparks' third consecutive win over the Fire this season, extending their lead in the series to 3-0. The game was characterized by a back-and-forth battle, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities, but ultimately, the Sparks capitalized on key free throws in the final moments to secure the win.
Both teams entered the game struggling to find consistency. The Portland Fire, with a record of 11-19, had lost their last four games, averaging 91.5 points while allowing 93.4 over their last ten contests. Their home record stood at 0-3 in the last three games, with their most recent performances including a 98-112 loss to the Indiana Fever and a narrow 97-101 defeat against the Dallas Wings. In contrast, the Los Angeles Sparks, holding an 11-17 record, were on a six-game losing streak, scoring an average of 89.3 points and conceding 95.4 in their last ten outings. Their away record was particularly troubling, as they had not secured a victory in their last five road games.
In terms of previous encounters, the Sparks had previously defeated the Fire 89-72 on June 7 and 85-75 on May 3, both of which were significant in establishing their dominance in the series. The Fire's inability to overcome the Sparks in these earlier matchups added pressure as they sought to turn their fortunes around at home.
Injuries played a crucial role in the game, particularly for the Fire, who were missing key players. Carla Leite, Frieda Buhner, Luisa Geiselsoder, Sarah Ashlee Barker, and Sania Feagin were all out for reasons ranging from personal matters to knee injuries. The Sparks also faced challenges with Aaliyah Nye being unavailable, but the absence of multiple players for the Fire significantly impacted their depth and performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, opened with the Fire as slight favorites, with a spread of -1.5. The total for the game was set at 186.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive scoring affair. The moneyline was even for both teams, indicating a balanced view on the potential outcome.
Conditions on the night were typical for a summer game, with a lively crowd at the Moda Center adding to the atmosphere. Fans witnessed a thrilling contest where the Sparks managed to pull away late in the fourth quarter. Key scoring plays included a series of free throws by Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler, who combined to secure crucial points in the final moments. Bridget Carleton also made a significant contribution with a three-point jumper that briefly narrowed the gap.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a showcase of individual talent and team strategy, with both teams pushing hard for a much-needed victory. The Sparks’ ability to execute under pressure proved vital, while the Fire, despite their efforts, could not find the rhythm necessary to overcome their opponents. Ultimately, the game highlighted the ongoing struggles both teams face as they navigate the latter part of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | POR -1.5 | 186.5 o -108 / u -112 | Los Angeles Sparks -110 · Portland Fire -110 |
Injury report
- Carla LeiteOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
- Frieda BuhnerOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
- Luisa GeiselsoderOutPersonalPortland Fire
- Sarah Ashlee BarkerOutKneePortland Fire
- Sania FeaginOutKneePortland Fire
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsBridget Carleton24Portland Fire
- AssistsCarla Leite8Portland Fire
- ReboundsBridget Carleton11Portland Fire
- PointsDearica Hamby23Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsErica Wheeler8Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsDearica Hamby10Los Angeles Sparks
Recent form
Portland Fire
Last 10: 3-7Streak L491.5 scored · 93.4 allowed per game0-3 at home
- L98-112vs Indiana FeverAug 1
- L83-98at Las Vegas AcesJul 29
- L97-101vs Dallas WingsJul 23
- L93-101at Minnesota LynxJul 19
- W75-56at Washington MysticsJul 16
- L87-90at Connecticut SunJul 14
- W102-92at Atlanta DreamJul 11
- L80-88vs Las Vegas AcesJul 10
- W77-72at Seattle StormJul 5
- L123-124at Washington MysticsJun 28
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 2-8Streak L689.3 scored · 95.4 allowed per game0-5 away
- L109-113vs New York LibertyJul 29
- L82-86vs Phoenix MercuryJul 22
- L82-90at Dallas WingsJul 19
- L82-96at Chicago SkyJul 17
- L87-96at Minnesota LynxJul 15
- L92-101at Atlanta DreamJul 13
- W102-87vs Chicago SkyJul 11
- W106-92vs Indiana FeverJul 9
- L64-82vs Seattle StormJul 7
- L87-111at Indiana FeverJun 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Sparks | Portland Fire |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 39-75 | 35-77 |
| Field goal % | 52 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 16-29 | 15-37 |
| Three-point % | 55 | 41 |
| Free throws | 12-14 | 16-18 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 23 |
| Assists | 33 | 21 |
| Steals | 8 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 46 | 36 |
| Fouls | 16 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 10 |
| Lead changes | 10 | 10 |
| Time in front | 28 | 61 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter64-64Holly Winterburn makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter64-65Holly Winterburn makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter67-65Nneka Ogwumike makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cameron Brink assists)
- 3rd Quarter67-67Holly Winterburn makes 7-foot two point shot (Karlie Samuelson assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-67Chance Gray makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jihyun Park assists)
- 3rd Quarter70-69Teja Oblak makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter71-69Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter72-69Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter72-72Bridget Carleton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Megan DiLeo assists)
- 4th Quarter75-72Jihyun Park makes 23-foot running jump shot (Chance Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter75-75Bridget Carleton makes 25-foot three point jumper (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter78-75Rae Burrell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dearica Hamby assists)
- 4th Quarter78-78Bridget Carleton makes 28-foot three point jumper (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter81-78Jihyun Park makes 22-foot three point jumper (Rae Burrell assists)
- 4th Quarter81-80Carla Leite makes 3-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter81-81Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter81-83Carla Leite makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter83-83Jihyun Park makes 6-foot layup (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter83-85Megan DiLeo makes driving layup (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter85-85Nneka Ogwumike makes layup (Jihyun Park assists)
- 4th Quarter87-85Cameron Brink makes running layup (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter87-87Bridget Carleton makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter90-87Ariel Atkins makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jihyun Park assists)
- 4th Quarter93-87Erica Wheeler makes 24-foot running pullup jump shot (Cameron Brink assists)
- 4th Quarter93-89Teja Oblak makes 2-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter93-91Teja Oblak makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter95-91Nneka Ogwumike makes running layup (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter95-93Emily Engstler makes 19-foot jumper (Megan DiLeo assists)
- 4th Quarter95-96Megan DiLeo makes 26-foot three point jumper (Emily Engstler assists)
- 4th Quarter98-96Nneka Ogwumike makes 25-foot three point jumper (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter100-96Dearica Hamby makes 3-foot layup (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 4th Quarter100-97Carla Leite makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-98Carla Leite makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-98Nneka Ogwumike makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-98Nneka Ogwumike makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter102-101Bridget Carleton makes 23-foot three point jumper (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter103-101Erica Wheeler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter104-101Erica Wheeler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-101Erica Wheeler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter106-101Erica Wheeler makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Portland Fire, below favours Los Angeles Sparks.
Venue
- Moda CenterPortland, OR
- Attendance13638
- OfficialsMaj Forsberg, Blanca Burns, Ashley Gloss
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Sparks Dominate Fire in WNBA ShowdownSep 20, 2026
- Sparks Defeat Fire 89-72 in WNBA ShowdownJun 7, 2026
- Los Angeles Sparks Defeat Portland Fire 85-75May 3, 2026