Portland Fire Coach Defends Timeout Decision in Loss to Dallas Wings
Portland Fire coach Alex Sarama stands by his decision not to call a timeout during the team's 101-97 loss to the Dallas Wings at the Moda Center.
Portland, OR, July 22, 2026 —
Portland, OR – Alex Sarama, head coach of the Portland Fire, has publicly stated he stands by his choice not to call a timeout in the closing moments of the team’s 101-97 defeat against the Dallas Wings. The game took place at the Moda Center.
The decision has become a focal point following the close contest. With the game on the line, Sarama opted against using a timeout, a move that has drawn attention from fans and analysts. Despite the outcome, Sarama reiterated his confidence in the strategy employed during the critical juncture of the match.
The Portland Fire were unable to secure a victory against the Dallas Wings, ultimately losing by a margin of four points. The specific details surrounding the final minutes, including the exact score when the timeout decision was made and the plays that followed, were not provided.
The final score was 101-97 in favor of the Dallas Wings. The venue for the game was the Moda Center. Further details regarding the team’s performance or other coaching decisions were not available.
Story summarized from the original created by Liana Handler on www.oregonlive.com, see more information here.
