Azzi Fudd Delivers First Start Breakout as Wings Rally Past Aces

The Dallas Wings continue to find their identity early in the season, and rookie guard Azzi Fudd is beginning to emerge as a central part of that development. Entering Thursday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Aces, Fudd had come off the bench in her first seven professional appearances while adjusting to a crowded backcourt rotation.

Head coach Jose Fernandez had been clear from the start of the season that playing time would not be guaranteed, even for a top draft selection. Fudd, despite her pedigree, was expected to earn her role through consistent performance and steady growth within the system.

That opportunity arrived against the defending champion Aces at College Park Center, where Fudd was inserted into the starting lineup for the first time in her WNBA career. She responded with one of her strongest outings of the season.

Her performance helped fuel a comeback victory, as Dallas erased a double-digit deficit to secure a 95-87 win over Las Vegas and improve its standing in the early season race.

1. First Start Impact and Offensive Confidence

Fudd delivered immediately in her first start, scoring 22 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting from the field. She also knocked down three of five attempts from beyond the arc, showing confidence as a perimeter scoring threat. Beyond her scoring, she contributed across multiple categories with three rebounds and two assists, maintaining steady involvement in both offensive creation and spacing. Her decision-making stood out as she balanced aggressiveness with controlled shot selection. The performance marked a continuation of her upward trajectory after a strong outing earlier in the week against the New York Liberty, where she posted a career-high 24 points along with a well-rounded stat line that included defense and playmaking contributions. Her back-to-back performances suggest growing comfort within Dallas’ offensive structure and a stronger understanding of when to assert herself within the flow of the game.

2. Growth Mindset and Adjustment to WNBA Level

Following the game, Fudd spoke candidly about her adjustment process and the gradual improvement she has experienced since entering the league. She emphasized the importance of confidence and patience in her development. She noted that each game has helped her feel more comfortable, particularly in recognizing scoring opportunities without hesitation. At the same time, she stressed the importance of not forcing action, instead allowing the game to come to her naturally. That balance has become a key focus as she transitions from college stardom to the professional level, where defensive intensity and pace are significantly higher. Her recent performances suggest she is beginning to find that equilibrium. The Wings’ coaching staff has emphasized development over immediate pressure, allowing Fudd to grow into her role while competing for minutes in a deep and competitive guard rotation.

3. Team Comeback and Emerging Core

Dallas’ win was defined not only by Fudd’s breakout but also by a resilient team effort that saw the Wings overcome a 13-point deficit against one of the league’s top teams. The victory improved their record to 5-3 and highlighted their growing competitiveness. Jessica Shepard delivered a historic performance of her own, recording a triple-double with 22 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. Her dominance in the paint and on the glass provided a stabilizing force throughout the comeback. The Aces, meanwhile, struggled to maintain their early lead despite strong individual performances, ultimately falling to 4-3 on the season. The loss also prompted frustration from Las Vegas head coach Becky Hammon regarding officiating consistency. Looking ahead, the Wings appear to be building a promising foundation with a young core that includes Fudd, Shepard, Paige Bueckers, and Arike Ogunbowale, a group that could define the franchise’s trajectory as the season progresses.