ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd made her first home appearance Thursday night in a 90-86 loss against the Minnesota Lynx.
After putting up 3 points in her rookie debut against the Indiana Fever, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft missed Tuesday’s 77-72 home opener loss to the Atlanta Dream due to a knee injury. After watching the home-opener crowd from the bench, Fudd was eager to make her College Park Center debut.
“The environment (during the home opener) was great,” Fudd said. “Dallas has been incredible so far, so to actually be on the floor and feel all that energy, I can’t wait.”
Azzi Fudd Makes Home Debut at College Park Center
She didn’t have to wait long, as she checked into the game midway through the first quarter and was greeted by massive applause from the Wings faithful. Soon after, Fudd scored a quick layup off a Maddy Siegrist assist for her first points at College Park Center.
Although Fudd missed both of her attempts from behind the arc, she capitalized on her mid-range jump shot and quick cuts to the basket for layups, finishing the night with 8 points and shooting 4-of-7 from the field in the losing effort.
“Happy to be on the floor with them. Obviously a lot of things I can improve on, but staying positive,” Fudd said. “I was proud of some of the things I did and looking forward to being able to build on that.”
Olivia Miles Matchup Sparks Foul Trouble for Azzi Fudd
While Fudd improved offensively, she struggled defensively, racking up 4 personal fouls, 3 of which came in the fourth quarter.
“I gotta learn how to get over and get through ball screens better,” Fudd said. “(I have to learn) how to keep my hands off and not foul so much.”
Part of Fudd’s fouling woes could be attributed to her defensive assignment. She was tasked with guarding the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Olivia Miles, for much of the game.
Miles utilized the pick-and-roll very well, forcing Fudd to switch on screens, which often left her stuck in a mismatch guarding a post. Miles and the Lynx exploited this game plan, and it proved to be successful as Fudd picked up multiple fouls this way.
“(Olivia Miles) is super talented,” Fudd said. “She’s tough to guard. That definitely was a challenge and I look forward to the next time we play them.”
Jose Fernandez Sees Improvement From Azzi Fudd
Although she’s adjusting defensively, Fudd’s overall performance in her second WNBA game was an improvement. She has the full season to adjust and take on a bigger role.
“I thought she had a good game,” head coach Jose Fernandez said. “We’re easing her into being a bigger part and getting more minutes.”
