Story by
Will Wings’ Azzi Fudd start after breakout? Coach keeps it cryptic
- Story by
- Will Wings’ Azzi Fudd start after breakout? Coach keeps it cryptic
Will Wings' Azzi Fudd start after breakout? Coach keeps it cryptic appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The debate surrounding Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd has followed her since draft night, but Sunday's performance against the New York Liberty gave the organization its strongest response yet. After being selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft ahead of Olivia Miles and Awa Fam, Fudd entered the league facing questions about her fit, role, and long-term upside. Through the first few weeks of the season, those discussions only intensified as Miles quickly emerged as an early Rookie of the Year contender for the Minnesota Lynx .
Advertisement
Against New York, however, Fudd broke out. The rookie guard scored a career-high 24 points in Dallas' 91-76 win at Barclays Center while shooting 9-of-15 from the field and 6-of-12 from three-point range. Her six made threes set a Wings franchise rookie record, while her 17-point third quarter tied for the second-highest scoring quarter by a rookie since the WNBA switched to quarters in 2006.
Fudd entered the game averaging 8.4 points off the bench and had not attempted more than 10 shots in any contest this season. She changed that Sunday, playing a season-high 32 minutes and finishing with three assists, three steals, two rebounds, and two blocks while posting a plus-22 rating. Five of her six threes came during the third quarter as the Wings turned the game into a double-digit lead they never surrendered.
Head coach Jose Fernandez has consistently started Odyssey Sims alongside Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale in the backcourt, leaving Fudd in a reserve role through the first seven games. But after Sunday's performance, Fernandez hinted that a lineup change may be approaching .
"I think we're headed that direction," Fernandez said when asked if Fudd could move into the starting lineup.
Advertisement
Fernandez also pointed to Fudd's growing workload, with her minutes steadily increasing from 18 in her debut to 32 against the Liberty. Dallas has clearly benefited from her presence statistically. The Wings own a 122.1 offensive rating with Fudd on the court compared to 96.0 when she sits, and the team outscores opponents by 17.2 points per 100 possessions during her minutes.
Fudd's explosive performance also showcased Dallas' offensive ceiling alongside Bueckers and Ogunbowale. The trio combined for 67 points against New York, with Ogunbowale adding 19 points and Bueckers matching Fudd's 24.
The Wings improved to 4-3 with the win and now prepare for a matchup against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Thursday.
Related: WNBA insider shuts down coach's Azzi Fudd vs. Olivia Miles declaration
Related: What Paige Bueckers said about Azzi Fudd's breakout explosion
