Fire Edge Sun Late Behind Sutton’s Clutch Floater.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Fire pulled out a dramatic 83-82 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Monday night after Sug Sutton delivered the decisive basket in the closing seconds. With the score tied late in the fourth quarter, Sutton attacked the lane and knocked down a floating jumper with 22.6 seconds remaining to give Portland the lead for good. After Connecticut missed on two opportunities during its next possession, Bridget Carleton secured a crucial rebound and calmly converted two free throws with under 10 seconds left to extend the advantage to four. The Sun made one final push when rookie Charlisse Leger-Walker buried a 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds remaining. Connecticut regained possession following an offensive foul on Portland, but Aneesah Morrow’s desperation shot from beyond half court fell short as time expired. Sarah Ashlee Barker and Carleton paced Portland with 18 points apiece, while Emily Engstler added 15 points. Sutton finished with 12 points, including the game-winner, and Nyadiew Puoch contributed 10 as the Fire improved to 2-2 on the season. Connecticut remained winless at 0-5 despite a balanced offensive effort. Brittney Griner led the Sun with 16 points and moved within one point of reaching 6,000 for her career. Morrow, Hailey Van Lith, and Aaliyah Edwards each scored 12 points, while Leger-Walker chipped in 10 off the bench. The Sun controlled much of the first half and carried a 42-38 lead into the break after limiting Portland to only 13 points in the second quarter. Connecticut shot an efficient 58% from the floor during the opening half, while Portland struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just three of its first 13 attempts. Connecticut also got a highlight moment from Saniya Rivers, who raced coast-to-coast and knocked down a jumper at the buzzer to tie the game at 64 entering the fourth quarter.

Despite shooting just 7-for-20 from 3-point range and missing nine free throws, Portland rallied late to secure the narrow home win.