Connecticut Sun edge Portland Fire 90-87 in WNBA showdown

The Connecticut Sun defeated the Portland Fire 90-87 on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in a closely contested WNBA game. Aaliyah Edwards came off the bench to score 21 points, while veteran center Brittney Griner added 20 despite having been listed as questionable with a left quad strain in the days leading up to the match. Olivia Nelson‑Ododa contributed 16 points for the Sun, which shot 53% from the field.

Portland's Leila Lacan sparked a late comeback, but a missed layup and a turnover in the final seconds sealed the Sun's win. The Fire were led by Leite, who scored 18 points, with Gustafson adding 15 and Emily Engstler 14. The victory gave the Sun a brief boost in a season where they have struggled, holding a 5‑18 record halfway through the campaign. The win was followed by the Sun’s upcoming games against Washington and Phoenix.

Earlier coverage highlighted Griner’s uncertain status, noting that quad strains typically require a week to heal and that she had missed two prior games. Her participation in the win underscores her importance to the team’s offense and defense.