The Dallas Wings continued their strong midseason surge on Sunday, overcoming the Chicago Sky 96-91 to extend their winning streak to five games, their longest stretch of success since the 2023 season.
Dallas improved to 16-8 overall and strengthened its position among the WNBA’s top contenders after finishing the game with a dominant fourth-quarter performance. Chicago, meanwhile, dropped to 7-16 after another competitive outing that ultimately slipped away in the closing minutes.
Although several Wings players produced standout performances, rookie guard Azzi Fudd attracted significant attention after reaching a historic statistical milestone early in her professional career. The achievement added another encouraging chapter to an already promising rookie campaign.
Fudd’s performance came alongside another balanced team effort led by Paige Bueckers, Jessica Shepard, and Arike Ogunbowale, as Dallas once again demonstrated the depth that has fueled its recent run of victories.
1. Historic Milestone Highlights Fudd’s Growth
Fudd finished the afternoon with 16 points, three assists, and two steals, but her impact extended well beyond the traditional box score. According to Real App, she became the fastest WNBA player since 2002 to record both 40 three-pointers and 40 steals.
The rookie accomplished the feat in only 23 games, placing her among elite company. The only player to reach the milestone faster was Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, who accomplished it in just 19 games during her rookie season in 2002.
The accomplishment reflects Fudd’s versatility on both ends of the court. While her perimeter shooting has long been considered one of her greatest strengths, her defensive activity has become equally valuable as she continues adjusting to the professional level.
Her all-around development has been one of the encouraging storylines for Dallas this season. Though the transition to the WNBA has featured expected ups and downs, Fudd continues to show flashes of the two-way talent that made her one of the league’s most highly regarded young prospects.
2. Dallas Closes Strong Against Chicago
The game itself remained tightly contested until the final minutes despite Dallas controlling stretches of the afternoon. Chicago continued to battle back, refusing to allow the Wings to pull away comfortably.
With the score hanging in the balance during the fourth quarter, Dallas responded with a decisive 15-5 run that ultimately proved to be the difference. The Wings outscored the Sky 30-18 during the final period, showcasing their ability to execute under pressure.
Fudd played an important role in that surge. She knocked down a timely three-pointer with 3:38 remaining to pull Dallas even, delivering one of the game’s biggest momentum swings.
Moments later, she added another highlight by blocking Sydney Taylor on the defensive end. The sequence energized the Wings and helped set the stage for the team’s late push as Dallas closed out another important victory before its home crowd.
3. Balanced Lineup Fuels Wings’ Rise
Dallas once again relied on contributions from throughout its roster rather than a single dominant scorer. Paige Bueckers led the offense with 22 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists while continuing to control the game’s tempo from the point guard position.
Jessica Shepard recorded another double-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, providing steady production inside. Veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale chipped in 17 points while continuing to stretch opposing defenses.
Fudd’s continued improvement only strengthens an already talented lineup. As the No. 1 overall pick, she entered the season facing significant expectations, and while consistency remains a work in progress, performances like Sunday’s suggest her confidence is steadily growing.
If that development continues, Dallas could find itself making league history beyond this season. After Bueckers captured Rookie of the Year honors last year, Fudd has positioned herself as an early candidate to follow suit. Should she earn the award, the Wings would become only the fourth franchise in WNBA history to produce back-to-back Rookie of the Year winners, joining the Seattle Storm, Minnesota Lynx, and Indiana Fever.