---
title: "Portland Fire snap 4-game losing streak with last-second free throw"
description: "Bridget Carleton's 20 points and Emily Engstler's last-second free throw end Portland's losing streak in Commissioner's Cup action."
url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/fire-beat-the-wings-84-83-to-end-a-4-game-losing-streak-31c99722
published: 2026-06-14T08:39:02.051+00:00
updated: 2026-06-14T08:39:02.051+00:00
author: "Kostadin Stamboliev"
publisher: "Pineido"
site: "Sportopod"
language: en
topics: ["basketball"]
---

# Portland Fire snap 4-game losing streak with last-second free throw

> Bridget Carleton's 20 points and Emily Engstler's last-second free throw end Portland's losing streak in Commissioner's Cup action.

Emily Engstler sank the second of two free throws with two seconds remaining, lifting the Portland Fire to an 84-83 win over the Dallas Wings in Commissioner's Cup action Saturday night, snapping a four-game losing streak.

Bridget Carleton led all scorers with 20 points, providing the offensive backbone for a Portland team that had stumbled through a tough stretch.

The Fire improved to 5-8 overall, while the Wings dropped to 4-9 in a tightly contested WNBA season.

The victory was especially valuable because Commissioner's Cup games count toward the regular season standings.

Portland now sits 1.5 games out of the final playoff spot, and the win on the road against a conference opponent provides a needed boost in the standings.

Engstler's free throw was the decisive moment in a game where Portland showed resilience after losing four straight.

Carleton's 20-point performance continued her recent scoring surge, giving the Fire a reliable option in crunch time.

The team's ability to execute in the final seconds suggests improved composure under pressure.

The win also highlighted the Fire's newfound poise in close games, a stark contrast to the losing streak when they had faltered in the final minutes.

Portland's defense stepped up when it mattered most, forcing a tough shot from Dallas on the previous possession and then setting Engstler up with a clean look at the line.

This kind of two-way execution in the clutch can become a foundation for the team's identity moving forward.

Engstler's free-throw success was particularly meaningful given her role as a defensive specialist; hitting a pressure shot like that shows growth in her offensive confidence.

Meanwhile, Carleton's steady scoring allowed the Fire to stay within striking distance throughout the fourth quarter, and the balanced contributions from the bench underscored the depth that had been missing during the losing streak.

Carleton credited the team's composure in the closing seconds, and the win provided a jolt of momentum for a squad aiming to stay in postseason contention.

Portland will look to build on this win in their next Commissioner's Cup matchup, aiming to start a winning streak and climb the standings.

## Why this matters

Portland halts a four-game losing streak in dramatic fashion, getting a much-needed win in Commissioner's Cup play. For a team trying to stay in postseason contention, this clutch road victory provides a jolt of momentum. It also highlights the depth of the Fire, with Carleton leading and Engstler delivering under pressure. Commissioner's Cup games count toward the regular season standings, making every win critical for a team aiming to climb back toward .500 and stay in the playoff picture.

## Frequently asked

### What was the final score?

Portland Fire 84, Dallas Wings 83.

### Who scored the winning points?

Emily Engstler made a free throw with 2 seconds left.

### How did Bridget Carleton perform?

Carleton led all scorers with 20 points.

### What are the teams' records?

Portland is 5-8, Dallas is 4-9.

## Sources & Citations

- [Fire beat the Wings 84-83 to end a 4-game losing streak](http://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=401856988) — ESPN (2026-06-14)

---

Cite: Portland Fire snap 4-game losing streak with last-second free throw. Sportopod, 2026-06-14. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/fire-beat-the-wings-84-83-to-end-a-4-game-losing-streak-31c99722