Local Guide

Storm Fall to Portland for 11th Straight Loss, a WNBA First

James Sawyer
August 9, 2026
Picture Credit: Markus Spisks

The Portland Fire beat the Seattle Storm 100-93 on Saturday night at Moda Center, extending Seattle’s losing streak to 11 games. Bridget Carleton scored 24 points for Portland, including four three-pointers. Jade Melbourne led the Storm with 23. At 6-28, Seattle is the first team in WNBA history to record two double-digit losing streaks in a single season, having also dropped 11 straight between May 27 and June 22.

Seattle led 30-27 after the opening quarter before Portland answered with a 17-5 run and took a 56-47 lead into halftime. The Storm cut a 14-point deficit to five entering the fourth, and Ezi Magbegor’s jumper brought them within 75-72, but Jordan Harrison’s three-pointer pushed Portland back out to 82-75 with 7:26 remaining and Carleton’s three stretched it to 88-78.

Flau’jae Johnson was helped off the court with 5:14 left in the third quarter with what appeared to be an ankle injury. She returned to the bench before the quarter ended and saw brief action in the fourth. Katie Lou Samuelson was out with a knee injury, which spoiled the matchup with her sister Karlie, who plays for Portland.

The result was Portland’s third win over Seattle in three meetings this season. The Fire, at 13-19, had beaten fellow expansion side Toronto 97-83 on Thursday to end a five-game skid. Seattle hosts Chicago on Monday night, while Portland hosts Minnesota on Wednesday.

JS
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