Fire Top Mercury 88-85, Spoil Taurasi Celebration
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Fire Top Mercury 88-85, Spoil Taurasi Celebration

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The Portland Fire defeated the Phoenix Mercury 88-85 on Sunday night, overshadowing the Mercury’s planned celebration of Diana Taurasi. Carla Leite led the Fire with 23 points, securing the win with key baskets in the final minutes.

The game took place on Sunday night as the Mercury held halftime and postgame ceremonies honoring franchise icon Diana Taurasi. Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the expansion Portland Fire managed to rally and secure a victory. The Fire, now with a 15-20 record, began their final push with a 6-0 run, taking an 81-80 lead with 1:12 remaining in the game.

Following Portland’s surge, Emily Engstler and Kahleah Copper traded baskets, keeping the game tightly contested. Katie Lou Samuelson then contributed a crucial foul shot, extending the Fire’s lead to 84-82 with just 20 seconds left on the clock. Ultimately, the Fire held on to win 88-85, spoiling the Mercury’s planned festivities for Taurasi.

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