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Alanna Smith Injury Creates Concern for Playoff-Bound Dallas Wings
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- Alanna Smith Injury Creates Concern for Playoff-Bound Dallas Wings
(Chris Jones-Imagn Images)
Forward Alanna Smith 's FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup run is over, and the Dallas Wings could feel the impact. Smith will miss the remainder of the tournament due to a lower-leg injury sustained during Australia's win over Puerto Rico.
Smith helped Australia defeat Puerto Rico 70-54 on Sept. 4, as she ended the night with 10 points and eight rebounds in 12 minutes on the floor. She left the game early after sustaining the injury and limped off the court.
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Throughout the season, the Wings forward has missed games due to concussion protocol and leg injuries. It's unclear how this will impact her status when Dallas resumes play.
Smith's World Cup Ends With Lower-Leg Injury
Smith signed a three-year max contract with the Wings during the offseason worth roughly $3.75 million. She previously played for the Minnesota Lynx and reached the Finals in 2024.
During her time with the Lynx, Smith won co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 with Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson. The Stanford product was drafted in 2019 with the eighth pick in the draft.
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The 6-foot-4 forward has been a significant addition to Dallas, which has had its best season since the franchise relocated to North Texas in 2016. She is averaging 6.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
This season, Smith has played in 32 games and has started 18. She has missed eight games this season due to injury while averaging 17.9 minutes per game.
Smith Has Been Key Piece of Wings' Turnaround
Dallas clinched a playoff berth for the first time under first-year head coach José Fernández. This is the first time the franchise has made the postseason in three seasons.
Fernández changed the offensive dynamic of the team by implementing a motion offense that requires quick passes and cuts. Since he has taken over as head coach, he has challenged players to be selfless and make the extra pass.
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This season's roster has depth, defense, explosion, veteran presence, and cohesion. During the offseason, the front office, led by President and CEO Greg Bibb and Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller, developed the roster through the draft and free agency.
Dallas drafted Fudd No. 1 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft and signed forward Smith, guard Odyssey Sims , forward Alysha Clark , and forward Jessica Shepard .
Wings' Balanced Roster Takes Shape
The Wings are 24-16 and have four games remaining in the 2026 regular season. None of the remaining opponents are playoff contenders.
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Dallas went on a four-game winning streak before the WNBA break for international play. The franchise is in eighth place and would play the Minnesota Lynx if the postseason started today.
The Wings' next game will be on Sept. 17 against the Los Angeles Sparks . Dallas then plays the Phoenix Mercury twice before closing the regular season against the Seattle Storm .
