DHJ Quick Take: Aziaha James Returns To Full Practice After Exiting Sparks Win
Aziaha James, who exited Friday’s win over the Los Angeles Sparks with a fourth-quarter leg injury, returned as a full participant at Sunday’s practice for the Dallas Wings.
- What happened to Aziaha James? She left Friday’s game with a fourth-quarter leg injury but practiced fully two days later.
- Why does it matter? Her quick return gives Dallas needed backcourt depth with Odyssey Sims still sidelined during a five-games-in-nine-days stretch.
- What’s next? Dallas visits the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. CT.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Aziaha James was back at full practice Sunday, two days after the Dallas Wings guard exited the fourth quarter of Friday’s 104-96 road win over the Los Angeles Sparks with a leg injury.
“Awak, Li, and [Aziaha] were full participants today in practice,” head coach Jose Fernandez said.
Aziaha James Returns After Strong Defensive Stretch
James had been a factor before she exited. She played a key stretch defensively in a game the Wings led by just one entering the fourth quarter before pulling away with a 27-18 final period. Jessica Shepard credited James for her work guarding Kelsey Plum, who led the Sparks with 27 points.
“Za had some huge minutes for us guarding KP, and I think that really helped flip the momentum,” Shepard said. “So it was about playing team defense and then finishing possessions with rebounds at the end.”
James is averaging 6.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 11.3 minutes over 10 games. Her 1.0 steals per game rank second on the team, behind only Azzi Fudd, and underscore the perimeter defense that earned her the Plum assignment.
Dallas Wings Backcourt Still Without Odyssey Sims
James’ availability matters for a backcourt that is still waiting on Odyssey Sims. Sims suffered a left ankle injury in the second quarter Friday, was taken off the court in a wheelchair, and did not practice Sunday as the team continues to evaluate her.
The timing is significant. Dallas, 7-3 and winners of four straight, opens a stretch of five games in nine days, beginning with Tuesday’s road game against the Minnesota Lynx at 7 p.m. CT. Having James back gives Fernandez more flexibility in the rotation as the schedule tightens.
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