The Portland Fire's Short-Lived Legacy: Unveiling the Numbers Behind the Team's 2000-2002 Run
The Portland Fire, a WNBA team with a brief but intriguing history, is set to return in 2026. But before we look to the future, let's dive into the past and uncover some fascinating facts about their initial run from 2000 to 2002. Prepare to be amazed by the highs and lows of this short-lived franchise!
A Brief Existence: The Portland Fire, in its previous iteration, lasted only three seasons: 2000, 2001, and 2002. This makes them one of the shortest-lived WNBA franchises, sharing the record with the Miami Sol. But wait, there's a twist! The Golden State Valkyries, who started in 2025, have an even shorter lifespan, but their story is yet to be fully told.
Playoff Dreams Unfulfilled: In those three seasons, the Fire never quite caught fire. They compiled a 37-59 record, never making the playoffs. The closest they came was in 2002, finishing with a .500 record and just one game behind Seattle for that coveted playoff spot. So close, yet so far!
A Dominant Foe: While the Fire's overall record was less than stellar, they had one team's number: the Washington Mystics. The Fire won 80% of their games against the Mystics, including a memorable 75-58 victory in 2000, led by Sophia Witherspoon's 26 points. But here's where it gets interesting: why were the Mystics such a favorable matchup for the Fire?
Leading the Charge: Sylvia Crawley, the Portland Fire's all-time leading scorer, amassed 935 career points. Her journey continued after the team's demise, playing for the San Antonio Silver Stars and coaching at her alma mater, North Carolina. She even managed to juggle playing for the Fire and assistant coaching at North Carolina simultaneously!
A Core Five: Only 20 players represented the Portland Fire in their three-year run, and five of them were there from start to finish. Alisa Burras, Sylvia Crawley, Stacey Thomas, Tully Bevilaqua, and DeMya Walker formed the core of the team. Burras was the Fire's first pick in the 2000 WNBA expansion draft, and each of these players left their mark on the franchise's history.
Three-Point Specialist: Jackie Stiles, a sharpshooter from beyond the arc, lit up the court for the Fire in 2001 and 2002. She converted an impressive 40.6% of her three-pointers and averaged 11.4 points per game. Her prowess from downtown earned her a spot on the WNBA's all-time three-point percentage leaderboard, where she still ranks 12th.
The Oregon Connection: Of the 20 players who wore the Fire's jersey, only one had strong ties to Oregon. Jenny Mowe, a California native, spent her high school years at Powers High School in Oregon, leading her team to a Class 1A state championship. She later played for the Oregon Ducks, making her a local favorite.
Rivalry Renewed: The Fire's return sparks excitement for the revival of the Seattle-Portland rivalry. These cities have a rich history of competition across various sports leagues. In the WNBA, the Fire and the Storm were introduced together in 2000, and over three seasons, the Fire held a 5-4 series lead. Will the rivalry heat up again?
A Year of Extremes: The year 2000 was a rollercoaster for the Fire. It was their worst season record-wise (10-22), but they also achieved their most lopsided victory, beating the Orlando Miracle 76-55. This game showcased the team's potential, with 14 steals and another stellar performance by Witherspoon.
Longevity Beyond the Fire: Two players from the original Portland Fire roster extended their careers well into the late 2000s. DeMya Walker played until 2012 for various teams, while Tully Bevilaqua also retired in 2012 after stints with the Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever, and San Antonio Silver Stars. Interestingly, Sylvia Fowles, a future assistant coach for the Fire, faced off against these players during her playing days.
As we eagerly await the return of the Portland Fire, these facts remind us of the team's rich, albeit short, history. But the question remains: will the new iteration of the Fire blaze a trail of success, or will they be extinguished once more? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
