The Dallas Wings’ fourth-quarter performance on Thursday night was disastrous for the majority of the period as they watched their 14-point advantage over the Las Vegas Aces evaporate over the space of eight or more minutes. But they had an opportunity to ensure that their early-game labor wasn’t in vain with fewer than 30 seconds remaining and the score tied at 80.
Ty Harris, who was in control at the top, requested a high screen from Teaira McCowan after waiting for the majority of the shot clock to expire. Harris had just the right angle on Kelsey Plum coming off the screen to force A’ja Wilson to cross over on the drive, which left McCowan wide open beneath the basket. McCowan sent the ball up and in to give the Wings the lead once more after Harris lobbed the ball perfectly over the top of the defense.
The Big Miss by Wilson
The Wings defeated the second-place Aces 82-80 after Wilson missed a clear-cut layup opportunity at the other end that would have forced overtime. They have now won four times in their previous five games, making this their third straight victory. The Wings moved to 15-16 on the year and firmly established their hold on sixth position thanks to the hot streak, which arrived at the ideal time.
With only five games left, they have a 2.5-game lead over the ninth-place Phoenix Mercury and are presently two games ahead of the New York Liberty and Atlanta Dream. Even though they lost the tiebreaker against the Dream, they still have a chance to win the tiebreakers against Liberty and Mercury. Nevertheless, the Wings are currently in a position to secure a playoff spot for the second consecutive season, which was beginning to seem unlikely amid their significant midseason downturn.
Dominant Run without Arike Ogunbowale by Wings
The fact that they were able to continue on this run without All-Star guard Arike Ogunbowale and talented rookie big Satou Sabally, who both have ankle ailments, is even more impressive. So how have they overcome such absences to turn their season around? There is only one Teaira McCowan.
Teaira McCowan: Star of the Moment
The star of Thursday night’s game, who had 21 points and 16 rebounds, has been playing some of the finest basketball of her career lately. During the Wings’ current 4-1 winning streak, McCowan is averaging 19.8 points and 12 rebounds on 61.3 percent shooting, and he has four straight double-doubles.
McCowan, who was acquired from the Indiana Fever in an offseason deal, battled to establish herself early on in her time with the Wings. However, she has made the move appear brilliant over the course of the last few games. The Wings can thank McCowan if they manage to make the playoffs, which they should at this point.
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