Bridget Carleton steers Portland Fire to 99-80 victory over Toronto Tempo in WNBA expansion showdown

Canadian forward Bridget Carleton, the first overall pick in the WNBA’s 2026 expansion draft, highlighted her aggressive approach with 15 points on 4‑for‑8 three‑point shooting as the Portland Fire defeated the Toronto Tempo 99‑80. The win marked the inaugural matchup between the two new franchises.

Carleton, now a 29‑year‑old leader on and off the court, has been the Fire’s primary scorer, averaging a career‑high 16.8 points, three rebounds, 1.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game. She discussed building team chemistry, noting a recent dinner the squad hosted at a Toronto Thai restaurant. Coach Alex Sarama praised her role in establishing a strong locker‑room culture.

Portland’s superior shooting was decisive, hitting 47.8% from beyond the arc (11‑for‑23) and 54.5% in the second half, while Toronto managed only 24% (6‑for‑25). Fellow Fire guard Emily Engstler added 16 points, including nine in the third quarter, contributing to the decisive surge.