What happened
Carla Leite struck late for Portland, driving for the go-ahead basket to put the Fire ahead 84-82 with under two minutes left in overtime. Portland went on to close the finale 90-82 in overtime against the Valks. The finish turned an extra-period contest on one decisive stretch, with Leite providing the late separation Portland needed.
Carleton led with 26 points to force the extra period and keep Portland in position for the overtime result. Her scoring output set the foundation for the finale to reach overtime. Leite then delivered the go-ahead basket for the 84-82 lead with under two minutes left in overtime, moving Portland toward the 90-82 final.
Why it matters
The win closed Portland's schedule during the 2026 postseason push. Closing the schedule with a victory carries clear weight at this stage of the season. Finishing with an overtime win gives the Fire momentum entering postseason play, after proving its execution in the extra period.
Late-shot creation from Leite adds a second scoring option beside Carleton. Carleton's 26 points forced the extra period, while Leite's drive produced the 84-82 lead with under two minutes left in overtime. That balance matters for Portland, with two players shaping the decisive phases of the 90-82 overtime result.
Overtime results place added value on composure in the final minutes, and Portland found that composure through Leite. The go-ahead basket for 84-82 with under two minutes left provided the lead Portland protected to the 90-82 final. In a finale staged during the 2026 postseason push, that late execution supports the Fire as postseason play approaches.
By the numbers
Final: Portland 90, Valks 82 in overtime. Carleton: 26 points to lead Portland and force the extra period. Decisive stretch: Leite basket for an 84-82 lead with under two minutes left in overtime, setting up Portland's close to 90-82 in the finale.
What to watch next
Postseason seeding and first-round matchups follow the finale. Portland's 90-82 overtime result against the Valks now stands as its closing entry into that postseason picture. The 84-82 lead created by Leite with under two minutes left in overtime will remain the defining sequence of the finale as attention turns to what follows.
Portland's rotation order bears watching into the playoffs. How Carleton and Leite are sequenced after this finale will be central, with Carleton's 26 points forcing overtime and Leite's late-shot creation settling it. The Fire enter postseason play with momentum from the overtime win, and the handling of those options will shape the opening round.