Dallas Wings’ Rising Stars: Bueckers and Fudd Shine

The Dallas Wings continue to prove their strength in the WNBA, highlighted by the impressive performances of recent No. 1 picks Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd. On Sunday, the duo led the Wings to an 89-76 win over the Toronto Tempo, an expansion team.

Bueckers showcased her abilities with a game-high 22 points, supported by seven assists and three rebounds. Her former UConn teammate, Fudd, also made a significant impact, adding 17 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists. She achieved a milestone by blocking a shot, marking her 20th career block—a WNBA record for the fastest to reach this number.

Fudd’s focus remains on team success, contributing to the Wings’ current 13-8 record. In her debut WNBA season, Fudd averages 13.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and one block per game. Despite these solid statistics, she did not secure an immediate starting role or an All-Star Game selection. However, her teammate Bueckers and Jessica Shepard were honored as All-Stars.

Rookie Olivia Miles has emerged as a standout player, with figures of 18.5 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, aided by the absence of a key player from the Minnesota Lynx, Napheesa Collier, who is expected to return soon.

The Dallas Wings drafted Fudd first, likely influenced by her strong background at UConn, a program known for producing WNBA stars. Her previous coaching under Geno Auriemma enhances her skills and chemistry with Bueckers on the court.