The Dallas Wings edged past the Portland Fire in a high-octane WNBA clash on July 23, 2026, securing a 101–97 road victory at the Moda Center. The game featured 13 lead changes and 8 ties, with the Wings outlasting a furious Fire rally in the final two minutes to improve their season record.

Match Overview

Both teams came into the contest fighting for playoff positioning in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Portland, known for its frenetic pace and three-point shooting, opened with a 28–24 first quarter behind strong play from their backcourt. The Wings, however, countered with a balanced attack that featured six different scorers in the second period, taking a 52–50 lead into halftime.

The third quarter proved pivotal as Dallas stretched its advantage to nine points, 78–69, behind a 10–0 run sparked by defensive stops and transition baskets. Portland refused to fold, trimming the deficit to 93–91 with 1:42 left in regulation, forcing Wings head coach Latricia Trammell to call a timeout.

Key Moments

• Fourth-quarter surge: Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale scored 8 of her game-high 28 points in the final frame, including a step-back jumper with 48 seconds remaining that pushed the lead back to 99–95.
• Portland’s missed opportunity: With the score 99–97 and 12 seconds on the clock, Fire forward Satou Sabally (22 points, 11 rebounds) misfired on a potential game-tying three-pointer. Wings center Teaira McCowan grabbed the defensive board and sealed the win with two free throws.
• Three-point barrages: The Fire knocked down 15 triples on 39 attempts, but Dallas answered with a 47% clip from beyond the arc, including four from guard Marina Mabrey (19 points).

Standout Performers

• Arike Ogunbowale (DAL): 28 points, 6 assists, 4 steals — her ability to create off the dribble broke Portland’s zone pressure.
• Teaira McCowan (DAL): 16 points, 14 rebounds, 3 blocks — dominant inside presence that limited Portland’s second-chance points.
• Satou Sabally (POR): 22 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists — nearly willed the Fire back with a relentless drive to the basket.
• Jordin Canada (POR): 18 points, 9 assists — orchestrated Portland’s offense and kept the pace high, but committed 5 turnovers.

Table and Season Impact

The victory improved the Wings to 16–10, solidifying their hold on the No. 3 seed in the WNBA standings. Portland dropped to 13–13, slipping to sixth place but remaining within striking distance of a postseason berth. The result also marked Dallas’s third straight road win, while the Fire lost consecutive home games for the first time this season.

With the regular-season stretch run heating up, both teams will look to build on the lessons learned. The Wings return home to face the Las Vegas Aces, while Portland heads to Seattle for a critical divisional matchup.