Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd finally found her footing Monday night. The No. 1 overall pick poured in a career-high 12 points off the bench, helping the Wings to a 92-69 victory over the Washington Mystics at College Park Center.
Shouldering the expectations of being the top pick, Fudd seems to be growing in confidence after a turbulent start to her WNBA career.
Rookie Azzi Fudd Finds Her Rhythm Against the Washington Mystics
Amid growing questions around the Dallas roster’s chemistry and Fudd’s potential, head coach Jose Fernandez refused to shield his players and demanded accountability.
And the Wings answered in emphatic fashion against the Mystics.
Fudd looked in the zone in her third professional game. Logging 24 minutes off the bench, she put up 12 points, 3 assists, and 2 rebounds while going 6-for-9 from the field and a +20 plus-minus.
Although Paige Bueckers led all scorers with 18 points and 7 assists, social media did not hesitate in showing love to the Wings’ No. 1 pick.
Sports commentator Jason Whitlock, who has previously been critical of Fudd, praised her performance against Washington.
“Azzi Fudd is a developing problem. She’ll be starting the rest of the year. Dallas has something serious building. Paige is gonna win big before CC,” he wrote.
“Azzi Fudd tonight 🔥• 12 points • 3 assists • 6/9 FG,” Women’s Hoop Network highlighted.
Fudd’s efficiency off the bench provided the exact spark the Dallas front office envisioned when they drafted her to revitalize the franchise.
“Give azzi the opportunity to play she’ll cook. don’t have to say much game speaks for itself. Good job fav. on to the next #WINGSUPFN,” one user claimed.
“Azzi Fudd is in her Cooper Flagg era. Rookie of the year is secured,” another user boldly declared.
The 23-year-old commanded the half-court offense with remarkable poise, with the Washington guards having no answers for her change of pace.
“Defenses continuously try to limit Azzi Fudd’s space on the perimeter. But Azzi is punishing teams by showcasing her ability to attack closeouts with her dribble. Love her floater and mid-range game starting to pop at the pro level,” one user noted.
Meanwhile, another user remarked, “Azzi Fudd came off the bench and flipped the whole game, instant impact, no debate.”
Before the impressive double-digit night against the Mystics, Fudd’s pro career did not get off to a flying start. She managed just 3 points on limited touches during the season-opening 107-104 victory over the Indiana Fever.
After missing the team’s home opener against the Atlanta Dream while nursing a knee injury, Fudd returned to action in a frustrating 90-86 loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
After a promising showing from Fudd and a 2-2 record to renew momentum, the Wings will head into a tough road test against the Chicago Sky on Wednesday.
