Mercury Seek Redemption Against Portland Fire at Moda Center
Phoenix returns from the international circuit to face a Portland squad hungry for revenge, setting the stage for a high-stakes WNBA clash under the Moda Center lights.
The hardwood of Moda Center still holds the scent of the last possession, the air thick with the specific electricity of a team ready to settle a score. Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper drives into the paint, her shoulders squared against the defense, the ball heavy in her hands as the crowd noise swells into a physical wall of sound. This is not just another regular-season date on the calendar; it is a collision of momentum and memory, two teams carrying the weight of their recent history into the fourth quarter of their season.
Phoenix arrives from a FIBA World Cup break, their rhythm sharpened by a dominant 101-69 dismantling of the Toronto Tempo. The Mercury’s return is marked by a confident stride, a team that found its footing in the second half of their last outing. They are not chasing a victory; they are executing a plan, moving the ball with the precision of a machine that has already learned how to win by a wide margin. The energy in the locker room is different now, a quiet certainty that replaces the frantic scramble of earlier losses.
Phoenix Rebuilds Rhythm After International Pause
The Mercury’s last contest was a statement of control, a 58-35 halftime lead that never wavered. Noemie Brochant led the charge with 15 points, her shots dropping with a softness that belied the intensity of the competition. Sami Whitcomb added 14, moving with a fluid grace that opened up lanes for her teammates. Alyssa Thomas, in just 22 minutes, distributed 12 assists, her vision cutting through the Toronto defense like a laser. The Mercury did not just win that game; they owned it, building a foundation of trust and timing that they now carry into the Pacific Northwest.
But the memory of the last meeting with Portland lingers, a bitter taste of an 88-85 defeat that still stings. In that game, Thomas was one assist shy of a triple-double, her brilliance a bright spot in a losing effort. The Mercury know that Portland can beat them, that the Fire have the weapons to exploit any moment of hesitation. This is not a rivalry built on history, but on recent pain, a debt that Phoenix intends to repay with every possession, every rebound, every steal they make on the road.
Portland Fire Seeks to Retake Season Series
Portland’s last game was a different story, an 86-69 loss to Golden State that exposed their struggles from beyond the arc. The Fire made just 10 of 39 three-point attempts, their shooters missing their marks in a way that left them trailing 28-14 after the first quarter. Megan DiLeo and Emily Engstler each scored 12 points, their efforts a bright spot in a dark night. Bridget Carleton added 11, her inside presence a constant threat, but the perimeter play was not there when it mattered most. The Fire know they must fix their shooting if they are to compete with a Phoenix team that is clicking on all cylinders.
Yet, the Fire carry a weapon of their own in Carla Leite, who scored 23 points in their previous win over the Mercury. Her ability to score at will, to create her own shot and finish with confidence, is the key to their offense. The Fire believe they can take another game in the season series, that their talent is enough to overcome any deficit. They are not a team that backs down, that they will fight for every loose ball, every tip, every chance to turn the tide. The Fire are hungry, and they know that Phoenix is not the same team that lost to them in August.
Viewing Options for the Thursday Night Clash
The matchup is set for Thursday, September 17th, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET, a time slot that ensures a national audience for the game. Viewers can catch the action on FOX and KTVK TV, with live streaming available on Fubo. According to Yahoo Sports, this is a great WNBA matchup that you will not want to miss, a game that promises high-octane basketball and emotional stakes. The platform offers a free trial, allowing fans to tune in without the commitment of a long-term subscription. Whether you are in the arena or watching from your couch, the intensity of the game will be the same, a testament to the quality of the talent on the court.
The broadcast will capture every moment, from the first tip-off to the final buzzer, providing a comprehensive view of the game. The coverage will include expert analysis, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at the teams, giving fans a deeper understanding of the strategies and personalities involved. The game is a must-see for any basketball fan, a chance to witness two of the league’s most exciting teams collide. The stakes are high, the talent is top-notch, and the atmosphere is electric. Do not miss this one, as the outcome could have significant implications for both teams’ playoff hopes.
