The Portland Fire's Fiery Flash in the Pan: A Statistical Journey
The Portland Fire, a WNBA team with a short but intriguing history, is back in the spotlight with the announcement of its revival. But before we look to the future, let's dive into the numbers and uncover some fascinating facts about this team's brief yet memorable run from 2000 to 2002.
A Short-Lived Flame: The Portland Fire's initial stint in the WNBA lasted only three seasons, from 2000 to 2002, making it one of the shortest-lived franchises in the league's history. They share this dubious honor with the Miami Sol, though the Golden State Valkyries, who started in 2025, might have something to say about that.
Playoff Pursuit: Despite their existence, the Fire never quite caught fire in the standings. They finished with a 37-59 record over three seasons, never making the playoffs. The closest they came was in 2002, when they ended with a 16-16 record, just one game behind Seattle for that coveted playoff spot.
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Leading Scorer: Sylvia Crawley, the all-time leading scorer for the Portland Fire, amassed 935 career points. Her journey continued after the team's dissolution, playing for the San Antonio Silver Stars and coaching at her alma mater, North Carolina, even while she was still an active player.
Loyal Quintet: Out of the 20 players who wore the Fire jersey, only five were there for all three seasons: Alisa Burras, Sylvia Crawley, Stacey Thomas, Tully Bevilaqua, and DeMya Walker. Burras was the team's first pick in the 2000 WNBA expansion draft, and each of these players left their mark on the franchise's history.
Three-Point Ace: Jackie Stiles, a standout player for the Fire, made her mark from beyond the arc. In her two seasons with the team (2001-2002), she shot an impressive 40.6% from three-point range and averaged 11.4 points per game. Her three-point prowess still echoes through the WNBA record books.
Beaver State Connection: Among the 20 all-time players, Jenny Mowe stands out with her ties to Oregon. Although she's from California, Mowe spent her high school years at Powers High School in Oregon, leading her team to a state championship. She later played for the Oregon Ducks, creating a unique connection to the state.
Northwest Rivalry: The Fire's return sparks excitement for the renewal of the Seattle-Portland rivalry. In the WNBA, the Fire and the Storm have a history, with the Fire leading the series 5-4 over three seasons. This adds fuel to the fire of an already intense regional competition.
Lopsided Victory: Despite a disappointing 2000 season, the Fire achieved their most one-sided win that year. On July 30, 2000, they defeated the Orlando Miracle 76-55, with 14 steals and another stellar performance by Witherspoon, who scored 26 points.
Post-Fire Careers: Two players from the original Fire roster had extended careers after their time in Portland. DeMya Walker played until 2012 for various teams, while Tully Bevilaqua also played until 2012, facing off against Sylvia Fowles, the current assistant coach for the Portland Fire, multiple times.
And here's a twist: Could the Portland Fire's brief existence have been a blessing in disguise? While their time was short, it left a lasting impact on the league and its fans. The team's legacy is a reminder that sometimes the brightest flames burn quickly, leaving an indelible mark.
What do you think? Was the Portland Fire's short run a disappointment or a memorable chapter in WNBA history? Share your thoughts and keep the conversation burning!
