Azzi Fudd Is Trending After Dallas Wings Loss

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images via Reuters Conect

Azzi Fudd Is Trending After Dallas Wings Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Aug 8, 2026 11:08 AM ET

The Dallas Wings clearly missed Azzi Fudd against the Golden State Valkyries on Friday, as the team lost the contest in a blowout, 94-76.

Fudd was a late scratch for the game after she experienced soreness in her right knee while going through the warmups. According to the Wings, they decided to let her sit out the game "out of an abundance of caution."

Fudd is averaging 13.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game for Dallas. She's the Wings' top 3-point shooter, averaging 2.1 makes on 5.2 attempts per game.

Beyond her shooting, though, her defensive presence has been valuable for Dallas. She's second on the team in terms of defensive win shares (1.3), behind only Jessica Shepard.

So, after the Valkyries led by as many as 20 points and just dominated the Wings, many pointed out after the game how Dallas struggled on both ends of the floor without Fudd.

Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) looks on during a game.© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

"Wings look like a completely different team w/o Azzi Fudd. Her defensive pressure disrupting passing lanes and defending the best players while having the ability to knock down shots and gravity she creates for the rest of the starters. Her impact goes far beyond the box score," reporter Landon Thomas wrote.

"You can see what Azzi brings on both ends for the Wings and I'm not saying they were going to win against my Valks but her impact is telling," a viewer added. Another one said, "They needed that Azzi Fudd defense today and every game."

"If there's anyone who probably missed Azzi Fudd on the floor tonight more than Dallas Wings fans, it's 100% Paige Bueckers, especially once the Valkyries' elite defense realized she was the Wings' only real offensive threat, all while playing noticeably half-injured," a poster shared.

"You literally can type 'Without Azzi Fudd the Dallas Wings …….', then fill in the blank with whatever you want to describe the team. [Expletive] is crazy lmao," a critic stated.

A Wings supporter noted, "I skipped most of last night's game but I've watched back some clips & seen highlights and all I’ll say is Azzi Fudd is so important to this team & anyone that diminishes the impact she has on this team is a complete idiot."

The Wings have now dropped two straight games after also losing to the Washington Mystics on Wednesday. They are now 19-13 on the season, dropping them to seventh in the WNBA standings.

It remains to be seen if Fudd will be available for the Wings when they return to action against the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. However, considering Dallas' tough schedule, it won't be surprising if the team exercises additional caution when it comes to her health.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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