ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings will be without Azzi Fudd for a third straight game Wednesday night as she continues to work through a right knee injury.
Dallas initially listed Fudd as questionable for its matchup against the Toronto Tempo before downgrading her to out Wednesday. She went through warmups before Friday’s game against the Golden State Valkyries at American Airlines Center but felt soreness in her right knee and did not play. Fudd remained out Sunday against the Minnesota Lynx.
Wings coach José Fernández said before Wednesday’s game that Fudd is now working through the team’s return-to-play process.
“I think right now we’re in a return-to-play protocol,” Fernández said. “We have an incredible collaboration with, you know, not only the staff, the front office, our data scientists, our strength and conditioning, our sports medicine.”
“So the most important thing is her health and her return to play and her longevity,” Fernández continued.
Azzi Fudd Participated In Tuesday Practice
Fudd’s absence comes one day after she was a full participant in practice. She took part in the 5-on-5 portion open to reporters Tuesday but remained on the injury report afterward.
Before the current stretch, Fudd had played in 30 consecutive games. Her only previous absence came May 12, when she missed the Wings’ home opener against the Atlanta Dream with a knee injury. Wednesday will be her fourth missed game of the season.
Dallas lost each of the first three games without her. Atlanta won 77-72 on May 12, Golden State beat the Wings 94-76 on Aug. 7, and Minnesota won 103-90 on Sunday.
José Fernández Details What Dallas Misses Without Azzi Fudd
Fudd has played 30 games this season, averaging 13.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists while shooting 45.6% from the field and 39.7% from 3-point range. Her 31.7 minutes per game are second on the team behind Paige Bueckers.
Fudd was averaging 1.7 steals through Aug. 10, fifth in the WNBA and the best mark among rookies. Fernández pointed to both ends of the floor when discussing how her absence changes Dallas.
“Well, of course it changes the dynamic, with Azzi defending and stretching the floor and her expanding her shooting ability, right, and also creating off the bounce,” Fernández said.
He later returned to Fudd’s defensive impact.
“Yeah, again, for us, I think everybody knows what she’s meant for us on the defensive end of the floor and her ability to defend,” Fernández said. “For the most part, take the other team’s best perimeter player out of things.”
“And not only that, her deflections and blocks and steals are big, because she makes a big impact on that end of the floor,” Fernández continued. “Now, again, she’s also getting great coverage on the offensive end as well.”
Dallas Wings Continue Without Azzi Fudd
Fudd’s absence comes during a difficult stretch for Dallas. The Wings have lost three straight games and five of their last six, entering Wednesday at 19-14 in the eighth and final playoff spot.
Dallas will also be without Jessica Shepard, who is out with a right ankle injury. Alysha Clark remains questionable with a back injury.
The Wings host Toronto at 7 p.m. CT at College Park Center before visiting the Indiana Fever on Friday.
