Azzi Fudd Silences Doubters with Back-to-Back 20-Point Performances

 

With all the hate and controversy circulating around Azzi Fudd and whether or not she was worth being selected First Overall, Fudd proves any skeptics wrong with back-to-back 20-point games.

A Breakout Stretch for Azzi Fudd

May 24 at New York Liberty

Beginning her stretch of impressive outings, Azzi Fudd put the world on notice in the Wings' matchup in New York against the Liberty. Coming off the bench, Fudd put up 24 points, leading the team in scoring alongside Paige Bueckers who also had 24 points. Fudd did so on a field-goal percentage of 60% and a remarkable 50% from beyond the arc. Not only did Fudd finish with the best plus-minus rating between both teams (+22), but her efficient scoring ability helped limit the effects of the Liberty's Satou Sabally. While from the surface many will notice the ways in which Fudd uplifted the Wings on offense, those who take a closer look will also notice her impressive efforts on defense. Alongside her incredible scoring, Fudd recorded 3 steals and 2 blocks. Although Fudd's ability to score at all levels was never doubted, her defense is something that often goes unnoticed and is heavily underrated. As the season goes on, it will be interesting to see how Fudd holds up against opposing offenses and perhaps she can make her way into an All-Defensive Team when post-season awards roll around.

May 28 vs. Las Vegas Aces

In her second straight 20-point game, Azzi Fudd shot the lights out, but not many were focused on her performance, but rather Jessica Shepard's. The Wings entered this matchup with the Las Vegas Aces as serious underdogs. The Wings were facing the defending champs, but luckily at home in Dallas. This contest was close to say the least, and the Aces even held the lead for over half of the game. The Wings' chance at winning was in the balances until Fudd turned on the jets. Alongside Jessica Shepard's 22-point, 20-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double, Fudd put up 22 points of her own, shooting 60% field-goal and three-point percentages in her first start in her WNBA career. With the downpour of scoring coming from both Fudd and Shepard, Dallas' floor spacing opened. This allowed Paige Bueckers to also chip in 20 points, putting the Wings over 95-87, and securing the W. With the Wings capturing their second-straight win, could this be the momentum they needed to not only climb the power rankings, but also advance in the Commissioner's Cup?

What Can We Realistically Expect from Fudd this Season?

Even with all of the high expectations and extensive criticism, Azzi Fudd has continued to improve each game since beginning her professional career. In her time playing college ball at UConn, Fudd was known for her efficient and unstoppable shooting, especially from three. Not only did Fudd average a three-point percentage of 42.2% in her college career, but she also only missed 8 free throws as well. Yes, Fudd shot 111/119 from the charity stripe in her five seasons at UConn. These things factor into the media's standards for Fudd as a shooter, but there is something else in her game that we should expect. As we saw in the Dallas Wings' matchup with the New York Liberty on May 24, 2026, Fudd changed the game with her defense, and this isn't something new. While Fudd was obviously automatic from three, she also averaged 2.5 steals per game in her senior season at UConn. So, although many focus on Fudd's shooting and scoring, it will be crucial to keep in mind her ability to pick pockets for steals, lock down incredible scorers, and even block the ball. Should Fudd excel at each of these things that she is all too familiar with, she could go on to make a WNBA All-Defensive or WNBA All-Rookie team.