Sometimes an outstanding individual performance still isn’t enough to secure victory, and that’s exactly what unfolded for Megan Gustafson in one of the wildest games the WNBA has witnessed in years. The Portland Fire forward delivered another impressive all-around display, pouring in 20 points and battling relentlessly on both ends of the floor, but Washington survived an unforgettable four-overtime marathon to edge Portland 124-123 in a game fans won’t soon forget.
The heartbreaking defeat overshadowed what was another productive outing for Gustafson, who finished with 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block before eventually fouling out after logging 46 exhausting minutes. It marked one of her most complete performances of the season, showcasing not only her scoring touch but also her ability to impact nearly every aspect of the game.
Sunday’s contest instantly entered the WNBA history books as just the second quadruple-overtime game ever played. Every possession became more dramatic than the last as both teams refused to give an inch, producing a back-and-forth battle that tested endurance, execution and mental toughness from the opening tip until the final buzzer.
Washington finally escaped with the one-point victory thanks to rookie standout Sonia Citron, whose career-high 32 points included the decisive layup with just 21.4 seconds remaining in the fourth overtime. Even while battling cramps late in the game, Citron found enough energy to attack the basket and give the Mystics a slim 124-122 advantage.
Portland still had one final opportunity. Carla Leite, who matched Citron with a career-best 32 points while adding nine assists, was fouled with 13.1 seconds left. She converted the first free throw but missed the second, leaving the Fire trailing by one. Moments later, Leite drove toward the basket looking for the game-winning shot, but her runner bounced off the back rim as time expired, allowing Washington to celebrate one of the most dramatic victories in franchise history.
While Gustafson’s scoring stood out, she received significant support from her teammates. Sarah Ashlee Barker erupted for a career-high 25 points, continuing her impressive rookie campaign, while Bridget Carleton chipped in 16 points and delivered one of the biggest shots of the evening. Her turnaround jumper with only 3.4 seconds remaining in the third overtime tied the score at 116 and forced yet another extra session.
Leite’s clutch shooting repeatedly rescued Portland throughout the night. With less than one second remaining in regulation, she buried a remarkable step-back three-pointer to tie the game at 87 after Washington appeared ready to seal the victory. Later, during the first overtime, she knocked down another deep three with 18.3 seconds left to even the score again at 99.
The Mystics answered every challenge Portland presented. Citron connected on another crucial basket with 14.9 seconds remaining in the second overtime, knotting the score at 103 before both teams continued exchanging baskets deep into the night.
Washington’s supporting cast also stepped up in a major way. Michaela Onyenwere recorded a career-high 30 points, while rookie Kiki Iriafen dominated inside with a career-best 27 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. Their production helped the Mystics improve to 9-9 on the season while ending a two-game losing streak.
For Portland, the defeat was particularly painful because the Fire repeatedly found ways to erase deficits. After falling behind early, they battled back to take a 55-48 halftime lead before extending their advantage to 67-62 entering the fourth quarter. Even after Washington regained momentum late, the Fire refused to surrender, forcing overtime after overtime through timely shot-making and relentless determination.
Despite the incredible offensive production, turnovers ultimately proved costly for Portland. The Fire committed 24 turnovers, allowing Washington to convert those mistakes into 32 points. In such an evenly matched contest, those extra opportunities made a significant difference.
Washington wasn’t flawless either. The Mystics turned the ball over 19 times, leading to 25 Portland points. They also lost guard Georgia Amoore during the game after she exited with right knee soreness following the first half, finishing with just two points.
Both teams displayed remarkable resilience over nearly four hours of basketball. Players continued diving for loose balls, fighting through fatigue and delivering clutch plays despite heavy legs and mounting foul trouble. Gustafson embodied that effort throughout the contest before fouling out after one of her busiest workloads of the season.
For Gustafson, the performance further highlighted the consistent impact she has made since joining Portland. Whether scoring in the paint, stretching defenses with outside shooting or creating opportunities for teammates, she once again proved why she has become one of the Fire’s most dependable contributors.
Although the result won’t be the one Portland wanted, the Fire demonstrated they can compete with anyone in the league. Taking a talented Washington squad to four overtimes showed the expansion franchise possesses the toughness and talent needed to challenge established opponents throughout the season.
The game also served as a reminder of just how unpredictable the WNBA can be. Historic contests rarely follow a script, and Sunday’s marathon featured career-high performances, unforgettable clutch shots, missed opportunities and nonstop drama until the very last possession.
When fans look back on the 2026 WNBA season, this thriller will almost certainly be remembered as one of its defining games. For Megan Gustafson, the stat sheet reflected another outstanding night. Unfortunately, despite her 20-point effort and all-around brilliance, the final scoreboard delivered only heartbreak as the Mystics narrowly escaped with a 124-123 victory in one of the longest and most memorable games in league history.
