Washington Mystics Outlast Portland Fire in Historic Quadruple Overtime Thriller
The Washington Mystics defeated the Portland Fire 124-123 in a quadruple overtime marathon on Sunday afternoon. This matchup marked only the second four-overtime game in WNBA history and the first since 2001. The contest lasted three hours and 35 minutes, featuring 21 ties and 13 lead changes.
How did the Washington Mystics secure the victory?
Sonia Citron provided the decisive scoring for Washington late in the fourth overtime period. After Portland’s Carla Leite converted a layup to give the Fire a 120-118 lead with 1:25 remaining, Citron responded with back-to-back layups. These baskets put the Mystics ahead by two points in the final stretch.
Portland attempted to respond in the closing seconds. Leite drew a foul on a drive to the basket and converted one of two free throws to bring the score to a one-point margin. While Serah Williams secured the rebound on the subsequent miss, the Fire missed a pair of shots in the paint that would have won the game.
How did the star players compare during the marathon?
Both teams relied heavily on individual performances to survive multiple overtime periods. The statistical output from the two primary scorers shows a nearly identical impact on the game’s outcome.
| Player | Points | Key Stat/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sonia Citron (Mystics) | 32 | Logged more than 52 minutes |
| Carla Leite (Fire) | 32 | Nine assists; two game-tying shots |
Citron’s endurance was a factor in Washington’s win, as she played more than 52 minutes. Leite acted as the primary engine for Portland, recording nine assists alongside her 32 points. Leite’s performance included a desperation shot with eight seconds left in regulation to force the first overtime and a tying three-pointer late in the first overtime to keep the game going.
What are the implications of extreme endurance games?
The three-hour and 35-minute duration of this game highlights the physical demands placed on professional athletes during high-stakes matchups. As games trend toward higher scoring and extended play, player stamina becomes a critical component of roster construction.
Brandi Carleton’s contribution also demonstrated the necessity of late-game execution. With just three seconds left in the third overtime, Carleton hit a turnaround fadeaway shot from the baseline to force the fourth extra period. This ability to maintain precision after three hours of play underscores the increasing importance of conditioning in the modern league.
What is the schedule for the Portland Fire?
The Portland Fire currently hold an 8-12 record. The team will conclude their road swing in Seattle on Saturday, July 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did the teams score in total?
The Washington Mystics scored 124 points, while the Portland Fire scored 123 points.
Who was the leading scorer for the Washington Mystics?
Sonia Citron led the Mystics with 32 points.
When was the last four-overtime WNBA game?
The last time a WNBA game reached four overtimes was in 2001.
Will the Fire’s high-scoring offense be enough to secure a win in Seattle? Share your predictions in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more WNBA updates.
