3 big moments from the Wings' 101-97 win over the Portland Fire

The Dallas Wings are making it clear they are forces to be reckoned with in the WNBA, as they continue to pull off narrow victories over their toughest opponents. This time, it was a 101-97 win over the Portland Fire that left everyone talking, and there were a few key moments that stood out from the rest. With the win, the Wings improved their record to 18-9 and are now just one game out of second place in both the Western Conference and overall WNBA standings. It's a position the team will look to build on as the second half of the season gets underway.

One of the most notable moments of the game came in the fourth quarter, when the Wings' lead evaporated and the Fire stormed back to within one point with just seconds left on the clock. It was a nail-biting finish that had fans on the edge of their seats, but in the end, the Wings emerged victorious. 'I'm so happy I'm on her team,' said Arike Ogunbowale of teammate Jessica Shepard's breakout season, as the two combined for 45 points in the win. Their chemistry on the court is undeniable, and it's a big reason why the Wings are having such success this season.

Another key moment came in the third quarter, when the Wings' offense finally seemed to come alive. After a slow start, the team went on a 10-0 run to take an 18-15 lead, and never looked back. The Fire struggled to keep up with the Wings' high-powered offense, which was led by Ogunbowale's 24 points and Shepard's 18. The Wings' bench also played a key role in the win, with Maddy Siegrist scoring 13 points in just 11 minutes of play.

The Wings' win over the Fire was a testament to the team's resilience and determination. Despite a slow start and some struggles in the fourth quarter, the team never gave up and found a way to win. It's a quality that will serve them well as they look to make a deep run in the playoffs. 'We got stops when it mattered,' said Ogunbowale in her post-game interview, summing up the team's effort. 'It's going to be a great second half of basketball for everybody, but hopefully for the Dallas Wings.'

As for the future, the Wings face a difficult schedule ahead, with games against some of the top teams in the league. However, with their current form and the chemistry between Ogunbowale and Shepard, it's hard to bet against them. The team will look to build on their momentum and make a push for the top of the standings in the second half of the season.

The win over the Fire marked the Wings' fifth consecutive victory, and they'll look to keep that streak going against the New York Liberty in their next game. With the team's current form and the continued growth of their players, it's an exciting time to be a Wings fan. As the second half of the season gets underway, one thing is for sure - the Wings are here to compete.