Carla Leite and Emily Engstler combined for 51 points as the expansion Portland Fire defeated the playoff-bound Atlanta Dream 101-83, ending Atlanta’s four-game winning streak despite record-setting performances from Angel Reese.
Leite and Engstler Power Portland’s Offense
Carla Leite scored 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Emily Engstler delivered a career-high 25 points by making 11 of her 14 attempts. Their efficiency drove an outstanding offensive performance from Portland, which shot 58% from the field and converted 38 of 65 attempts. The Fire attacked effectively from the opening quarter, moved the ball with confidence and repeatedly found quality looks against an Atlanta defense that had been performing well during its recent winning run. Engstler also contributed defensively, recording four steals and four blocks to complete one of the strongest games of her WNBA career.
Fire Build Commanding Halftime Advantage
Portland entered halftime with a 52-38 lead after controlling the tempo and scoring consistently inside. Atlanta attempted to respond in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to 60-55 through consecutive 3-pointers from Rhyne Howard and a layup by Angel Reese. However, Holly Winterburn stopped the Dream’s momentum by banking in a 3-pointer just before the shot clock expired, restoring Portland’s eight-point advantage. The Fire regained control from there and continued extending the lead, eventually securing an 18-point road victory. Portland improved to 16-23, while Atlanta dropped to 25-14.
Reese Matches WNBA Double-Double Record
Angel Reese finished with 16 points and 16 rebounds, recording her 28th double-double of the season and matching the WNBA’s single-season record. The performance came shortly after she established a new league record for total rebounds in a season. Reese was initially assessed her eighth technical foul during the fourth quarter after becoming tangled with Leite while fighting for rebounding position. That call would have triggered an automatic one-game suspension, but the WNBA rescinded it several hours after the game. Reese therefore remains eligible for Atlanta’s Sunday matchup against league-leading Minnesota.
Atlanta Falls to Fifth in Standings
Rhyne Howard led the Dream with 26 points, but Atlanta struggled collectively, shooting only 37% from the field and making 26 of 71 attempts. The defeat ended the team’s unbeaten four-game West Coast trip and dropped the Dream into fifth place, half a game behind Indiana in the standings.
DeWanna Bonner, recently signed to strengthen Atlanta’s roster for the playoffs, did not play against Portland. The six-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion reached a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Mercury before joining the Dream. Her veteran leadership and postseason experience are expected to become important as Atlanta prepares for the playoffs.
Portland will host the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday, while Atlanta will welcome Minnesota in its final game before the FIBA Women’s World Cup break.
