The Portland Fire made history Tuesday night with a dramatic 98-96 buzzer-beater victory over the New York Liberty, securing their first franchise win in the most theatrical fashion imaginable.

As the fourth quarter clock wound down, both teams traded clutch baskets in a tense back-and-forth affair. With just 13 seconds remaining and overtime looming, the Liberty committed a costly three-second violation, handing possession back to the Fire. On the ensuing play, Bridget Carleton—who posted a career-high 26 points on five 3-pointers—dribbled around the perimeter and launched a potential game-winner over Breanna Stewart.

Carleton's shot clanked off the backboard and ricocheted. But in the chaos under the basket, teammate Sarah Ashlee Barker was jostled for position and found herself in the perfect spot. As the ball fell, Barker gathered it quickly and, while falling to the ground, put up a desperation shot. It hit the backboard, then the front of the rim, then the back—before bouncing through as time expired.

"I missed that first play for (Sarah Ashlee Barker) to get that rebound," Carleton said with a smile postgame. "That's just who she is. She's aggressive. She's gritty. It was meant to be that way, so I'm really happy for her and proud of her."

The moment was especially poignant for Barker, whose game-winning shot came 24 years after the original Portland Fire franchise ceased operations. With noticeably red eyes, she reflected on the emotional weight of the play.

"I'll be honest. It's been an emotional 24 hours. I lost somebody who was important to me yesterday," Barker said, her voice quivering. "Tonight was God's strength, not mine. It's a perfect ending."

The win marks a monumental step for the expansion Fire, who now have their first victory in franchise history—and one that will be remembered for years to come.