Get ready for a thrilling comeback! The Portland-Seattle basketball rivalry is back in the WNBA, and it's a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
After an 18-year hiatus, the Portland Fire is returning to the WNBA in 2026, and with it, a legendary rivalry reignites. You see, the SuperSonics' move to Oklahoma City left a void in the basketball scene, but the rivalry between these two cities has always simmered, especially on the soccer pitch. Now, the Portland Fire and the Seattle Storm are set to face off once more, and it's an exciting prospect for basketball fans everywhere.
Mark your calendars for April 29th, 2026, when the Fire and the Storm will square off in Seattle for a preseason game. But that's not all; they'll meet again on June 17th in Portland as part of the Commissioner's Cup, and then twice more during the regular season on July 4th and August 8th, with a final showdown on August 14th in Seattle.
Let's delve into the rich history of this rivalry, which began in the WNBA on June 3rd, 2000. The Fire and the Storm faced off in Seattle, with the Fire coming back from a halftime deficit to secure the win. Sylvia Crawley, a key player for the Fire, led with 18 points and a pair of blocks. It was a tight game, with the Fire's bench players, including Tara Williams, providing crucial sparks.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Storm, despite being led by Edna Campbell's 18 points, struggled with their shooting, which ultimately cost them the game. Fast forward to June 23rd, 2000, and the Fire took a 2-0 series lead against the Storm, thanks to a slow shooting night for Seattle. Crawley, once again, dominated with a double-double, and the Fire's free throw accuracy proved decisive.
And this is the part most people miss... On August 6th, 2000, Seattle's Sonja Henning sent the game into overtime with a last-second jumper. It was the only overtime game in the series, and the Storm came out on top, thanks to Charmin Smith's 3-pointer. The Fire struggled with their 3-pointers and turnovers, and Seattle took the win.
The rivalry continued into 2001, with the Fire securing a win on June 19th, holding Seattle to a low shooting percentage. But the Storm fought back on July 4th, with Jackie Stiles finally coming alive, scoring 18 points and helping Seattle take the lead late in the game. The Fire struggled with their shooting, and Seattle capitalized.
In the final matchup of the 2001 season, the Fire secured a win, moving their record to an even 10-10. Despite turnovers, Sophia Witherspoon, a key player for the Fire, popped off with 21 points and an impressive 5 out of 8 3-pointers. The Storm couldn't keep up with the Fire's shooting prowess.
The 2002 season saw the Storm take an early lead in the series, jumping out to an 18-2 advantage in the opening 10 minutes. The Fire struggled, and Seattle's Sue Bird dominated with 14 points and 5 assists. However, the Fire fought back on June 11th, securing a win with Ukari Figgs and Sylvia Crawley leading the way. Bird once again shone for the Storm, but it wasn't enough to stop the Fire.
In the final game of the series on August 9th, 2002, the Storm dominated the boards and secured the win. Bird had a monstrous game with 33 points, and Lauren Jackson added a double-double. The Fire's Jackie Stiles and Tamicha Jackson put up a fight, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Storm's dominance.
But wait, there's more! This rivalry actually predates the WNBA. The Portland Power and the Seattle Reign faced off in the American Basketball League in the late 1990s, setting the stage for the intense rivalry we see today. Former coach Lin Dunn described it as a natural rivalry, and the games between these teams were nothing short of awesome.
So, what do you think? Are you excited for the return of this iconic rivalry? Will the Fire reignite their dominance, or will the Storm continue their winning ways? Let us know in the comments! This is a rivalry that's sure to spark some passionate debates.
