DHJ Quick Take: Azzi Fudd Points To Patience as Key to Breakout Outing
- A Mental Adjustment Drove The Breakout: Rookie Azzi Fudd said her career-high 24-point performance against the New York Liberty came down to slowing her decision-making and being more patient after rushing in earlier games.
- A Franchise Rookie Record: Fudd hit six 3-pointers in the win, the most by a rookie in Dallas Wings history.
- Fernandez Sees More Than Shooting: Head coach Jose Fernandez highlighted Fudd’s off-ball movement and cutting as the underrated parts of her offensive game.
- No Added Pressure: Fudd said the outing was a confidence boost but doesn’t change her approach, noting she won’t shoot 12 threes or score 24 points every night.
DALLAS — Rookie Azzi Fudd turned in the best performance of her young WNBA career in the Dallas Wings‘ 91-76 win over the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on May 24, scoring a career-high 24 points and hitting six 3-pointers, the most by a rookie in franchise history.
Speaking after Wednesday’s practice at SMU, Fudd said the breakout came down to a mental adjustment rather than anything mechanical.
“A big thing was that I slowed down that game. I was trying to be very intentional about taking a deep breath and slowing down,” Fudd told Dallas Hoops Journal.
Azzi Fudd on Reading the Game
Fudd said her early-season struggles stemmed from rushing her decisions, particularly when catching the ball off screens or handoffs.
“I felt like before, coming off screens or even when the ball found me, I was rushing. I would put the ball on the floor right away. I would try to attack right away, even though people would go under off a handoff,” Fudd told Dallas Hoops Journal. “And it’s stuff that I did every game at UConn, every practice at UConn — I would not hesitate shooting it.”
By slowing down against the Liberty, Fudd said she was able to let the game come to her and read what the defense gave her.
“So I think I was just rushing a little bit, so being a little more patient. Then my teammates found me. They set me great screens. I was reading the game. That’s what was there,” Fudd told Dallas Hoops Journal.
Jose Fernandez On Azzi Fudd’s Off-Ball Impact
Fernandez said Fudd’s value extends beyond her shooting, citing her movement without the ball as an important part of her offensive game.
“Not only is she shooting the ball really well, but I think her getting to her spot off the bounce and her off-ball movement and cutting,” Fernandez told Dallas Hoops Journal. “When she cuts, she takes people with her. That’s what people forget about — the other ways that she can impact the game offensively.”
No Added Pressure Moving Forward
Fudd said the performance gave her a confidence boost but doesn’t change her expectations night to night.
“I think definitely it’s a little confidence boost to see a three go in finally. But just knowing, seeing that happen and seeing that I belong here felt good,” Fudd said. “Obviously I’m not going to shoot 12 threes, I’m not gonna have 24 points every night, but knowing that I can help this team and contribute.”
Fudd is averaging 11.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 23.8 minutes per game through 6 appearances this season, shooting 56.3% from the field, 43.5% from three, and 100% from the free-throw line. She logged a season-high 32 minutes against the Liberty and finished as the team’s plus-22 leader, a mark that pushed her to a team-best plus-54 on the season.
The Wings (4-3) host the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday at College Park Center, with tip-off set for 7 p.m. CT on Prime.
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- Paige Bueckers On Azzi Fudd’s Breakout Game vs. New York Liberty: ‘We Knew It Was Only A Matter Of Time’
- ‘Took It Personal’: Jose Fernandez Credits Halftime Defensive Adjustment In Dallas Wings’ 91-76 Win Over New York Liberty
- ‘Play A Little Bit Slower’: Azzi Fudd Adjusts Approach To Shatter Dallas Wings’ Rookie Record vs. New York Liberty
- Paige Bueckers Names ‘Controllables’ That Define Dallas Wings Identity After Win Over New York Liberty
- Azzi Fudd On Dallas Wings’ Selfless Culture, Earning Her Time: ‘It Doesn’t Matter If I’m Starting’
- ‘The Numbers Don’t Lie’: Azzi Fudd’s Rookie Record, Dallas Wings’ Suffocating Second Half Power 91-76 Win Over New York Liberty
