Los Angeles Sparks Edge Portland Fire 75-62 in Preseason Closer; Nneka Ogwumike Shines with 17 PTS

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The Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Portland Fire 75-62 in their final preseason game on May 3, 2026, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The victory marked the end of the Sparks’ preseason schedule as they prepare for the upcoming WNBA regular season.

Nneka Ogwumike led the Sparks with 17 points, while the team’s defense and rebounding played key roles in securing the win. The Sparks outrebounded the Fire 30-28 and held Portland to just 40.6% shooting from the field.

The game saw several standout performances from both teams. For the Sparks, Serah Williams and Maya Caldwell were instrumental in defensive stops and offensive rebounds, while Frieda Buhner contributed with clutch layups and free throws. The Fire, however, struggled with turnovers (24) and shot selection, missing 14 of their 18 three-point attempts.

The final score of 75-62 reflected a strong finish for the Sparks, who led by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter. The victory caps off a preseason in which the Sparks have focused on refining their roster and preparing for the challenges of the regular season.

With the regular season just around the corner, the Sparks will look to build on this momentum as they take on their first opponent. The team’s coaching staff and players have emphasized the importance of this preseason, using it to evaluate chemistry, strategy, and individual development.

For the Portland Fire, the loss serves as a reminder of the work ahead as they prepare for their own regular season challenges. The team will now shift their focus to their opening game, aiming to improve on their preseason performance.

Both teams will enter the regular season with high expectations, and this preseason matchup provided a glimpse into the competitive dynamics that fans can expect once the season officially begins.