Phoenix Mercury Defeats Portland Fire 78-72
Friday, June 5, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Moda Center
Phoenix Mercury 78, Portland Fire 72, 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 Phoenix Mercury vs Portland Fire?
Phoenix Mercury beat Portland Fire 78-72 at Moda Center on June 5, 2026.
Who was favored in Phoenix Mercury vs Portland Fire?
Portland Fire were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -180 (about 64% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Phoenix Mercury edged out the Portland Fire with a final score of 78-72. This victory ties the series at 1-1, highlighting the competitive nature of the fixture. The game took place at the Moda Center, where the Fire had a home record of 4-2 this season. However, they were unable to capitalize on their home advantage against a Mercury team that has struggled this season with a record of 4-8.
The recent form of both teams sets an interesting backdrop for the matchup. The Portland Fire entered the game with a record of 6-6, having gone 6-4 in their last ten games, but they were on a one-game losing streak. They averaged 83.0 points scored while allowing 84.8 points over that span. Their last five games showed a record of 3-2 with an average of 79.0 points scored and 80.0 points allowed. In contrast, the Mercury had a record of 2-8 in their last ten games but managed to secure a win in their most recent outing against the Seattle Storm, breaking a streak of eight losses. They averaged 80.3 points scored and 88.1 points allowed during that stretch.
At home, the Fire had shown some promise, but their recent form suggested inconsistency. The Mercury, while struggling overall, managed to pull off a crucial win that could provide a much-needed boost to their morale. The matchup was particularly significant as both teams were looking to improve their standings in the league.
In terms of injuries, the Fire were missing several key players, including Carla Leite, Frieda Buhner, Luisa Geiselsoder, Sarah Ashlee Barker, and Sania Feagin, all of whom were out for various reasons. The Mercury also faced significant absences, with Kelsey Plum, Kahleah Copper, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic all sidelined. The absence of these players undoubtedly impacted the strategies and performances of both teams.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Fire favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 160.5. The odds reflected the Fire's home advantage, but the Mercury's recent victory suggests they were not to be underestimated despite their lower overall record.
The game itself was marked by a series of scoring plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats. In the fourth quarter, Bridget Carleton and DeWanna Bonner made crucial free throws that extended the Mercury's lead. Natasha Mack also contributed with free throws that pushed the score to 77-69 in favor of Phoenix. The Fire managed to respond with a three-point jumper from Sarah Ashlee Barker, narrowing the gap to 77-72. However, Noemie Brochant's free throw sealed the game for the Mercury, bringing the final score to 78-72.
Overall, this matchup showcased the resilience of the Phoenix Mercury, who, despite their struggles this season, managed to secure a vital win against the Portland Fire. The game highlighted the unpredictable nature of the league, where every match can shift the momentum for teams fighting for better standings.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | POR -4.5 | 160.5 o -105 / u -115 | Phoenix Mercury +150 · Portland Fire -180 |
Injury report
- Carla LeiteOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
- Frieda BuhnerOutNot Injury RelatedPortland Fire
- Luisa GeiselsoderOutPersonalPortland Fire
- Sarah Ashlee BarkerOutKneePortland Fire
- Sania FeaginOutKneePortland Fire
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
Leaders
- PointsSarah Ashlee Barker15Portland Fire
- AssistsTeja Oblak4Portland Fire
- ReboundsSarah Ashlee Barker7Portland Fire
- PointsDeWanna Bonner19Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsJovana Nogic6Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsDeWanna Bonner5Phoenix Mercury
Recent form
Portland Fire
Last 10: 6-4Streak L183 scored · 84.8 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L77-95at Golden State ValkyriesJun 3
- W100-84vs Indiana FeverMay 31
- L66-86vs Atlanta DreamMay 30
- W71-61vs Connecticut SunMay 28
- W81-74at New York LibertyMay 26
- W99-80at Toronto TempoMay 23
- L73-90at Indiana FeverMay 20
- W83-82vs Connecticut SunMay 19
- L82-100vs New York LibertyMay 15
- W98-96vs New York LibertyMay 13
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 2-8Streak W180.3 scored · 88.1 allowed per game1-4 away
- W72-68at Seattle StormJun 4
- L77-111vs Minnesota LynxJun 2
- L68-75at New York LibertyMay 29
- L74-84at New York LibertyMay 27
- L80-82at Atlanta DreamMay 24
- L88-97vs Los Angeles SparksMay 22
- L90-98vs Toronto TempoMay 20
- W91-83vs Chicago SkyMay 16
- L84-88vs Minnesota LynxMay 13
- L79-95at Golden State ValkyriesMay 11
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 | Phoenix Mercury | Portland Fire |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-62 | 24-57 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 7-21 | 10-26 |
| Three-point % | 33 | 38 |
| Free throws | 19-22 | 14-17 |
| Free throw % | 86 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 24 |
| Assists | 21 | 18 |
| Steals | 10 | 3 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 20 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 0 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 28 |
| Fouls | 19 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 1 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 95 | 2 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter44-36Natasha Mack makes 3-foot jump bank shot (Jovana Nogic assists)
- 3rd Quarter44-39Karlie Samuelson makes 23-foot three point jumper (Luisa Geiselsoder assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-39Natasha Mack makes 4-foot layup (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-40Frieda Buhner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter46-41Frieda Buhner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter49-41Lexi Held makes 25-foot three point jumper (Monique Akoa Makani assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-44Karlie Samuelson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Teja Oblak assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-46Teja Oblak makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter52-46Noemie Brochant makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (DeWanna Bonner assists)
- 3rd Quarter52-48Teja Oblak makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter54-48Noemie Brochant makes running layup (Lexi Held assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-48Lexi Held makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter55-50Megan Gustafson makes 3-foot layup (Bridget Carleton assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-51Sarah Ashlee Barker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter57-51Jovana Nogic makes 6-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter57-54Megan Gustafson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Bridget Carleton assists)
- 4th Quarter59-54Quionche Carter makes driving layup (Jovana Nogic assists)
- 4th Quarter61-54DeWanna Bonner makes running layup (Jovana Nogic assists)
- 4th Quarter61-56Sarah Ashlee Barker makes driving layup (Teja Oblak assists)
- 4th Quarter61-59Luisa Geiselsoder makes 27-foot three point jumper (Teja Oblak assists)
- 4th Quarter61-62Teja Oblak makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (Karlie Samuelson assists)
- 4th Quarter64-62DeWanna Bonner makes 23-foot three point jumper (Marta Suarez assists)
- 4th Quarter64-63Teja Oblak makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter64-64Teja Oblak makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter66-64Natasha Mack makes 18-foot jumper (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 4th Quarter66-67Sarah Ashlee Barker makes 24-foot three point jumper (Luisa Geiselsoder assists)
- 4th Quarter68-67Jovana Nogic makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter69-67DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-67DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter71-67Jovana Nogic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter72-67Monique Akoa Makani makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-67Monique Akoa Makani makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-68Bridget Carleton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter73-69Bridget Carleton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter74-69DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter75-69DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-69Natasha Mack makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-69Natasha Mack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-72Sarah Ashlee Barker makes 25-foot three point jumper (Carla Leite assists)
- 4th Quarter78-72Noemie Brochant makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Portland Fire, below favours Phoenix Mercury.
Venue
- Moda CenterPortland, OR
- Attendance12046
- OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Sarah Williams, Josh Reed
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