Golden State appeared to have control from the opening minutes.
By the end of overtime, Portland had overturned a 17-0 deficit, handed the Valkyries a 90-82 defeat and helped settle the race for the WNBA’s No. 1 playoff seed.
The Fire’s comeback on Tuesday night ended Golden State’s five-game winning streak and confirmed the Minnesota Lynx at the top of the postseason standings.
Golden State fell to 31-12, while Portland improved to 17-27.
Golden State’s fast start disappears
The Valkyries opened the game with a 17-0 run as Portland went more than six minutes without scoring.
Golden State carried a 24-10 advantage out of the first quarter, with contributions spread across the rotation.
Portland gradually reduced the deficit in the second quarter and eventually moved ahead 37-35 before Golden State recovered to take a 40-37 lead into halftime.
The contest had changed.
What began as a one-sided opening became a possession-by-possession battle through the second half.
Golden State regained momentum during the fourth quarter, including a 12-2 run, but Portland continued to answer.
Carla Leite played a central role in the Fire’s late push, while Gabby Williams helped Golden State force overtime after the teams could not be separated in regulation.
Portland takes control in overtime
The Fire dominated the extra period.
Portland outscored Golden State 13-5 in overtime to complete the comeback and secure the 90-82 victory.
Williams led the Valkyries with 17 points, while Veronica Burton contributed 13 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.
The individual numbers could not prevent a significant standings consequence for Golden State.
The Valkyries entered the night still competing for the league’s top playoff position. Their defeat removed that possibility.
Minnesota secures No. 1 despite defeat
Minnesota also lost on Tuesday, falling 96-77 to Indiana.
But Portland’s victory over Golden State meant the Lynx still clinched the No. 1 seed.
Minnesota stands at 32-11, one game ahead of Golden State with the Valkyries having one regular-season fixture remaining.
Golden State can therefore still finish second or third, depending on the outcome of its final game.
For Portland, the result represents a major comeback victory.
For Golden State, it turned an explosive start into a missed opportunity.
And for Minnesota, the consequence was decisive: the WNBA’s top playoff seed is secured.
