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WNBA · Final

Phoenix Mercury Edge Portland Fire in Close Contest

Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix Mercury15-26
94
Portland Fire
Portland Fire16-25
91

Thursday, September 17, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Moda Center

Phoenix Mercury 94, Portland Fire 91, 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 94-91 at Moda Center on September 17, 2026.

Who was favored in Phoenix Mercury vs Portland Fire?

Phoenix Mercury were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -148 (about 60% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Portland Fire 94-91 at the Moda Center on September 18, 2026. This victory allowed Phoenix to win the series 2-1 against Portland, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure in a crucial game. The Mercury's win comes as they continue to battle through a challenging season, finishing with a record of 15-26, while the Fire ended at 16-25.

Both teams entered this game with a mix of recent performances. The Portland Fire had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, but they were on a one-game losing streak leading into this matchup. They averaged 87.7 points scored and allowed 88.0 points during this stretch. In their last five games, Portland managed to score an average of 85.4 points while allowing 90.4 points. The Fire's home record was 2-3 in their last five games, while their away record stood at 3-2.

On the other hand, the Phoenix Mercury had a record of 3-7 over their last ten games, but they were riding a one-game winning streak after their recent victory against the Toronto Tempo. The Mercury averaged 86.1 points scored and allowed 88.4 points during their last ten games. In their last five games, they scored an average of 86.4 points while allowing 86.0 points. Their recent form included a home record of 1-4 and an away record of 2-3.

In terms of their head-to-head meetings this season, the teams had split their previous encounters, with Portland winning 88-85 on August 16 and Phoenix claiming a 78-72 victory on June 6. This latest matchup added another layer to their competitive rivalry.

Injuries played a significant role in the game, particularly for the Portland Fire, who were missing several key players. Megan DiLeo (finger), Teja Oblak (knee), Bridget Carleton (ankle), Carla Leite (rest), and Luisa Geiselsoder (personal) were all out for the Fire. The Phoenix Mercury also faced challenges with Kahleah Copper (groin), Kelsey Plum (lower leg), and Jovana Nogic (not injury related) unavailable for this game.

The betting market had Phoenix favored by 3.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 172.5 points. This context highlighted the competitive nature of the matchup, with both teams seeking to improve their standings as the season progressed.

The game atmosphere was charged, with both teams fighting for every point. The fourth quarter proved to be particularly intense, featuring several pivotal scoring plays. Jordan Harrison made a crucial free throw to give the Mercury a 90-86 lead, followed by Karlie Samuelson's free throws that pushed the Mercury's lead to 90-88. Natasha Mack then extended the lead to 92-88 with her free throws before Holly Winterburn hit a significant three-pointer, bringing the Fire within one point at 92-91. However, Noemie Brochant sealed the game for Phoenix with two successful free throws, finalizing the score at 94-91.

This game not only highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams but also illustrated the impact of injuries on performance. Viewers were treated to a thrilling contest that showcased the resilience of the Phoenix Mercury and the Portland Fire's determination, despite their challenges.

What we said beforehand

The upcoming matchup between the Portland Fire and the Phoenix Mercury is particularly intriguing as the series is currently tied 1-1, setting the stage for a decisive encounter. This game will take place at the Moda Center on September 18, 2026, at 02:00 UTC. Both teams are looking to gain an edge in their respective standings, with Portland holding a record of 16-24 and Phoenix at 14-26.

In their recent form, the Portland Fire have struggled, losing four of their last five games. Their most recent outing was a loss to the Golden State Valkyries, where they fell 69-86. Prior to that, they managed a win against the Atlanta Dream, scoring 101 points while allowing 83. Overall, Portland's last five games include a win against Atlanta and losses to Toronto Tempo, Washington Mystics, Dallas Wings, and Golden State Valkyries. In their last ten games, they have a record of 5-5, with an average of 87.7 points scored and 88.0 points allowed per game.

On the other hand, the Phoenix Mercury have also faced challenges, winning only three of their last ten games. They recently secured a strong victory against the Toronto Tempo, winning 101-69, which snapped a four-game losing streak. Their last five games include a win against Toronto and losses to the Portland Fire, Atlanta Dream, and Washington Mystics. They have averaged 86.1 points scored and allowed 88.4 points during their last ten games.

When considering home and away performances, the Fire have a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, while the Mercury have a 1-4 record in their away games. This could play a significant role in the upcoming contest, as Portland looks to leverage their home-court advantage.

In terms of previous meetings, the teams have faced each other twice this season, with each team winning once. The first meeting on June 6, 2026, saw the Mercury triumph 78-72 at the Moda Center, while the Fire claimed victory in their most recent encounter on August 16, 2026, winning 88-85.

Injuries will also be a critical factor in this matchup. The Fire will be missing several key players, including Carla Leite, who leads the team with an average of 15.9 points and 6.3 assists per game, as well as Bridget Carleton, Teja Oblak, Megan DiLeo, and Luisa Geiselsoder, who are all out for various reasons. The Mercury will also be without key contributors, including Kahleah Copper, who averages 21.3 points per game, and Kelsey Plum, as well as Jovana Nogic, who is out for non-injury related reasons. The absence of these players could significantly impact both teams' strategies and performance on the court.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has the Mercury favored by a spread of 3.5 points, with a total set at 171.5. The over odds are at -112.0, while the under odds are at -108.0. The moneyline for the Fire is +124.0, while the Mercury stands at -148.0.

As for conditions, the game will be played indoors at the Moda Center, ensuring a controlled environment for both teams to showcase their skills.

Viewers should watch for how the Fire adapt to the absence of their leading scorer, Carla Leite, and how they manage their defensive strategy against a Mercury team that has shown the ability to score in bursts, particularly in their recent win against Toronto. Additionally, the performance of the Mercury's Alyssa Thomas, who leads her team with an average of 8.4 assists and 7.7 rebounds, will be crucial in dictating the pace of the game. The matchup promises to be a compelling contest as both teams vie for supremacy in this pivotal WNBA clash.

Odds

BookSpreadTotalMoneyline
DraftKingsPHX -3.5 172.5 o -112 / u -108 Phoenix Mercury -148 · Portland Fire +124

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

  • Megan DiLeoOutFingerPortland Fire
  • Teja OblakOutKneePortland Fire
  • Bridget CarletonOutAnklePortland Fire
  • Carla LeiteOutRestPortland Fire
  • Luisa GeiselsoderOutPersonalPortland Fire
  • Kahleah CopperOutGroinPhoenix Mercury
  • Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
  • Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury

Leaders

  • PointsEmily Engstler21Portland Fire
  • AssistsJordan Harrison10Portland Fire
  • ReboundsEmily Engstler7Portland Fire
  • PointsShay Ciezki22Phoenix Mercury
  • AssistsAlyssa Thomas6Phoenix Mercury
  • ReboundsAlyssa Thomas8Phoenix Mercury

Recent form

Portland Fire

Last 10: 5-5Streak L187.7 scored · 88 allowed per game2-3 at home

  • 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
  • L81-85vs Minnesota LynxAug 13
  • W100-93vs Seattle StormAug 9
  • W97-83vs Toronto TempoAug 7

Phoenix Mercury

Last 10: 3-7Streak W186.1 scored · 88.4 allowed per game2-3 away

  • W101-69vs Toronto TempoAug 30
  • L73-80vs Washington MysticsAug 28
  • L84-94vs Washington MysticsAug 26
  • L89-99vs Atlanta DreamAug 23
  • L85-88vs Portland FireAug 16
  • W94-87at Los Angeles SparksAug 12
  • L75-95at Washington MysticsAug 9
  • L72-75at Connecticut SunAug 7
  • L82-96at Atlanta DreamAug 5
  • W106-101at Chicago SkyAug 4

Standings

TeamGames behindLostStreakWin %Won
Minnesota-9L2.77531
Golden State211W4.72529
Las Vegas3.513W4.68328
Dallas6.516W5.61025
Portland15.525L2.39016
Los Angeles16.526L1.36615
Phoenix16.526W2.36615
Seattle23.533L2.1958

Box score

StatPhoenix MercuryPortland Fire
Field goals28-5729-62
Field goal %4947
Three-pointers12-2512-30
Three-point %4840
Free throws26-3021-28
Free throw %8775
Rebounds2925
Offensive rebounds78
Defensive rebounds2217
Assists2320
Steals1012
Blocks53
Turnovers1717
Team turnovers31
Technical fouls00
Technical fouls, total00
Flagrant fouls00
Points off turnovers2914
Fast-break points78
Points in the paint2834
Fouls2524
Largest lead611
Lead changes99
Time in front3263

How the scoring went

  1. 3rd Quarter57-65Amy Okonkwo makes 3-foot layup (Emily Engstler assists)
  2. 3rd Quarter60-65Shay Ciezki makes 23-foot three point jumper (Noemie Brochant assists)
  3. 3rd Quarter61-65Shay Ciezki makes free throw 1 of 2
  4. 3rd Quarter62-65Shay Ciezki makes free throw 2 of 2
  5. 3rd Quarter63-65Shay Ciezki makes free throw 1 of 2
  6. 3rd Quarter64-65Shay Ciezki makes free throw 2 of 2
  7. 3rd Quarter65-65Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
  8. 3rd Quarter65-66Serah Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  9. 3rd Quarter68-66Shay Ciezki makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
  10. 3rd Quarter68-69Holly Winterburn makes 31-foot jump bank shot (Jordan Harrison assists)
  11. 4th Quarter68-70Holly Winterburn makes free throw 1 of 2
  12. 4th Quarter68-71Holly Winterburn makes free throw 2 of 2
  13. 4th Quarter70-71Natasha Mack makes driving layup (Sami Whitcomb assists)
  14. 4th Quarter70-74Karlie Samuelson makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (Emily Engstler assists)
  15. 4th Quarter72-74Noemie Brochant makes 3-foot layup (Shay Ciezki assists)
  16. 4th Quarter74-74Shay Ciezki makes driving layup
  17. 4th Quarter75-74Shay Ciezki makes free throw 1 of 1
  18. 4th Quarter75-77Emily Engstler makes 26-foot three point jumper (Holly Winterburn assists)
  19. 4th Quarter77-77Alyssa Thomas makes 5-foot layup (Sami Whitcomb assists)
  20. 4th Quarter77-79Holly Winterburn makes 4-foot two point shot
  21. 4th Quarter80-79Noemie Brochant makes 23-foot three point jumper (Shay Ciezki assists)
  22. 4th Quarter81-79Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
  23. 4th Quarter82-79Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
  24. 4th Quarter84-79Sami Whitcomb makes 11-foot pullup jump shot (Alyssa Thomas assists)
  25. 4th Quarter84-80Serah Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
  26. 4th Quarter84-81Karlie Samuelson makes free throw 1 of 2
  27. 4th Quarter84-82Karlie Samuelson makes free throw 2 of 2
  28. 4th Quarter87-82Sami Whitcomb makes 23-foot three point jumper (Alyssa Thomas assists)
  29. 4th Quarter87-85Emily Engstler makes 23-foot three point jumper (Jordan Harrison assists)
  30. 4th Quarter88-85Lexi Held makes free throw 1 of 3
  31. 4th Quarter89-85Lexi Held makes free throw 2 of 3
  32. 4th Quarter90-85Lexi Held makes free throw 3 of 3
  33. 4th Quarter90-86Jordan Harrison makes free throw 2 of 2
  34. 4th Quarter90-87Karlie Samuelson makes free throw 1 of 2
  35. 4th Quarter90-88Karlie Samuelson makes free throw 2 of 2
  36. 4th Quarter91-88Natasha Mack makes free throw 1 of 2
  37. 4th Quarter92-88Natasha Mack makes free throw 2 of 2
  38. 4th Quarter92-91Holly Winterburn makes 25-foot three point shot (Frieda Buhner assists)
  39. 4th Quarter93-91Noemie Brochant makes free throw 1 of 2
  40. 4th Quarter94-91Noemie Brochant makes free throw 2 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Portland Fire, below favours Phoenix Mercury.

Venue

  • Moda CenterPortland, OR
  • Attendance13641
  • OfficialsRoy Gulbeyan, Ryan Sassano, Charles Watson

Elsewhere

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Fixture data from the league feeds. The report was written from the recorded facts for this game and nothing else.