Dallas Wings Aim for Playoff Spot Against Struggling Portland Fire Tonight
As the WNBA playoff race heats up, Dallas Wings look to clinch the final playoff spot tonight against the Portland Fire at 8 p.m. from College Park Center. The game is crucial for both teams, with the Wings needing just one win to secure their place in the postseason, while the Fire require a victory and a miracle to stay alive. The Fire, coming off a disappointing 105-100 loss to Washington, blew an 11-point lead despite a stellar performance from Megan DiLeo, who scored 21 points and set a team record with 179 field goals this season. DiLeo has significantly elevated her game, averaging 13.3 points per game, shooting 53.9% from the field, and ranking among the top 10 in the league. However, the Fire have struggled with depth, particularly in the frontcourt, leading to a glaring free-throw discrepancy in recent games. They have attempted only 15 free throws in their last outing compared to 44 for the Mystics, highlighting ongoing issues that could affect their playoff hopes. On the other hand, the Wings aim to bounce back after losing their rookie star Azzi Fudd for the season due to knee surgery. Dallas is riding a wave of momentum with back-to-back wins, and players like Paige Bueckers, who recently scored 32 points in a 92-70 victory over Seattle, are stepping up. Bueckers also tied a WNBA record with six 3-pointers made without a miss in that game. Jessica Shepard continues to shine, posting her 21st double-double of the season, and is the only player to record at least 400 rebounds and 175 assists this year. The Wings have tied their single-season win record with 22 victories, showcasing their potential as they head into the playoffs. Tonight’s matchup will conclude the season series between the two teams, with each club having won one game previously. The stakes are high as both teams prepare for a pivotal clash that could define their seasons.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-08-25