The iconic basketball rivalry is reborn in the WNBA, and you won't want to miss this!
The sports world is buzzing with excitement as the Portland Fire's return to the WNBA in 2026 reignites a historic rivalry with the Seattle Storm. After an 18-year hiatus, the two teams are set to clash again, rekindling a competitive spirit that once captivated fans across the Pacific Northwest.
The rivalry's roots run deep. When the SuperSonics relocated from Seattle to become the Oklahoma City Thunder, the basketball battle between these cities shifted to the soccer field, with the Timbers/Sounders and Thorns/Reign carrying the torch. But now, the original rivalry is back, and it's time to relive the magic.
But here's where it gets controversial. The teams' last encounter was on August 9, 2002, and the upcoming preseason game on April 29, 2026, in Seattle will be their first meeting since. This game is more than just a friendly warm-up; it's a symbol of the rivalry's resurgence. And the excitement doesn't stop there! The Fire and Storm will face off again on June 17 in Portland as part of the Commissioner's Cup, followed by regular-season matchups on July 4 and August 8 in Seattle, and August 14 in Portland.
Let's take a trip down memory lane to the early days of this intense rivalry:
June 3, 2000: Portland Fire 65, Seattle Storm 58. The Fire made a stunning comeback from a five-point halftime deficit to secure their first win against the Storm. Sylvia Crawley led the charge with 18 points and two blocks, while Sophia Witherspoon contributed 11 points. Seattle's Edna Campbell scored 18 points, but the Storm's poor shooting (35% from the floor and 1-of-11 from beyond the arc) sealed their fate.
June 23, 2000: Portland Fire 72, Seattle Storm 61. Despite both teams struggling early in the 2000 WNBA season, the Fire took a commanding 2-0 series lead. Seattle's 37.5% shooting from the floor couldn't match the Fire's performance, and Katrina Hibbert's 17 points off the bench weren't enough to save the Storm. Crawley's 20-point, 11-rebound double-double and the Fire's impressive 27-of-34 free throw shooting proved too much for Seattle.
August 6, 2000: Seattle Storm 66, Portland Fire 58 (OT). In a thrilling overtime game, Sonja Henning's buzzer-beating jumper sent the game into extra time. Charmin Smith's three-pointer in overtime gave the Storm the edge, and Jamie Redd's 14 points and six rebounds helped seal the deal. Vanessa Nygaard led the Fire with 14 points, but their 25% success rate from beyond the arc and 21 turnovers proved costly.
June 19, 2001: Portland Fire 58, Seattle Storm 43. The Fire pulled away in the second half, holding Seattle to a mere 29.8% shooting from the floor. Tully Bevilaqua led Portland with 12 points, while Kristin Folkl's 10 points and 12 rebounds secured a double-double. Sylvia Crawley added 10 points and seven rebounds to the Fire's victory.
July 4, 2001: Seattle Storm 61, Portland Fire 56. The Fire led for most of the game but couldn't hold on in the final minutes. Jackie Stiles had a breakout performance with 18 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Seattle's 40% shooting from the floor. Lauren Jackson and Jamie Redd each scored 8 points for the Storm.
July 20, 2001: Portland Fire 56, Seattle Storm 49. Despite 17 turnovers, the Fire's shooting prowess prevailed, with Witherspoon scoring 21 points, including five three-pointers. Seattle's Semeka Randall and Kamila Vodichkova combined for 24 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Fire.
June 2, 2002: Seattle Storm 57, Portland Fire 47. Seattle dominated from the start, taking an early 18-2 lead. Sylvia Crawley's team-high 16 points couldn't prevent the Fire's defeat, as they struggled with 31.5% shooting from the floor and zero success from beyond the arc. Sue Bird led the Storm with 14 points and five assists.
June 11, 2002: Portland Fire 70, Seattle Storm 63. The Fire bounced back from a previous loss, thanks to Ukari Figgs' 16 points and four assists. Sylvia Crawley added 15 points, five rebounds, and three blocks, while Alisa Burras contributed 12 points and nine rebounds. The Fire's 49.1% shooting from the floor outshone the Storm's 36.2%.
August 9, 2002: Seattle Storm 83, Portland Fire 74. In the final game of the series, the Storm dominated the boards, with 48 total rebounds and 14 offensive rebounds. Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson led the way with 33 and 23 points, respectively. The Fire's Jackie Stiles scored 18 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Seattle's rebounding advantage.
This rivalry actually predates the WNBA era. The Portland Power and Seattle Reign faced off in the American Basketball League during the late 1990s, setting the stage for the WNBA rivalry that followed. Former coach Lin Dunn, who led both the Power and the Storm, reminisced about the intensity of those early games.
So, as we eagerly await the return of this legendary rivalry, one question remains: Which team will reign supreme this time around? Will the Fire rise from the ashes, or will the Storm blow them away? Share your predictions and memories in the comments below, and get ready for an unforgettable basketball journey!
