What happened: Tiffany Hayes shot 6-for-7 from the floor and made two 3-pointers in the opening period. The game was played at Portland’s Moda Center.
Why it matters: The Valkyries began the day with a one-game cushion for second place in the Western Conference. The Fire entered at 16-23 and had been eliminated from postseason contention.
By the numbers: Hayes shot 85.7% in the quarter. Her two 3-pointers produced six points, with four two-point makes accounting for the other eight.
What to watch: Watch whether Hayes sustains the scoring pace and how the result affects Golden State’s hold on second place.