archiveDallas Hoops Journal

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings Gear Up for Home Opener Pace vs. Protection: The Wings' high-octane offense (107 points in the opener) faces its first structural test against an Atlanta team that thrived in transition last year. Paige Bueckers identified "slowing the fast break" as the top priority, noting that...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Mavericks Land No. 9 The Ninth Symphony: Landing at No. 9 is more than just a number for Dallas; it’s a full-circle moment for Rolando Blackman, who was the franchise's first No. 9 pick. In a draft described by Mike Schmitz as "very deep," this slot...

DHJ Quick Take: Postgame Perspectives from Indy Cohesive Efficiency: Jose Fernandez noted that the team’s 59.1% shooting percentage—the second-best in WNBA opener history—resulted from the roster’s immediate buy-in to a motion-heavy offensive identity and high-level ball movement. Backcourt Synergy: Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers addressed their fit as a duo,...

DHJ Quick Take: The High-Octane Era Arrives Offensive Fireworks: Scoring 107 points on nearly 60% shooting in a road opener is a statement. The Wings' identity is now clear: if they are in the 90s or 100s, they believe they are unbeatable. The 26 assists on 39 baskets prove that...

DHJ Quick Take: The Blueprint for Indy The Boston Variable: The biggest shift from preseason to Saturday is the presence of Aliyah Boston. In the preseason meeting, the Wings dominated the paint (50-30), but with Boston back, Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith face an "elite passer" and finisher who can...

DHJ Quick Take: Weaponizing the Second Unit The "Super Sub" Strategy: By moving Azzi Fudd to the bench, Fernandez is creating a nightmare for opposing second units. Pairing Fudd’s elite shooting with Aziaha James’ explosive preseason scoring (17.5 PPG) gives Dallas arguably the most dangerous bench backcourt in the WNBA....

DHJ Quick Take: The Spacing Solution The Spacing Directive: Jose Fernandez’s message to Fudd—"Don't pass up open shots"—is the central theme of her rookie season. For a Wings team that finished last in 3-point percentage in 2025 (30.4%), Fudd’s 42.2% UConn career average is the mathematical fix required to open...

DHJ Quick Take: Paige Bueckers Came Ready for Year 2 From Rookie to Recruiter: The most telling stat of the offseason wasn't on a box score—it was Alysha Clark confirming that Bueckers personally recruited her to Dallas. A second-year player taking that level of front-office "ownership" signals her leadership and...

DHJ Quick Take: Dallas Wings vs. Indiana Fever The No. 1 Narrative: This game isn't just a season opener; it’s a living history of the WNBA’s recent lottery luck. Having Boston, Clark, Bueckers, and Fudd—the last four No. 1 picks—on the court simultaneously is a marketing dream that anchors the...

DHJ Quick Take: The MVP Narrative Takes Flight The Betting Juggernaut: Holding 85% of the handle at a major sportsbook isn't just a stat; it’s a reflection of the "Paige Effect." Fans aren't just watching her—they are banking on her to leapfrog established legends. This level of public liability puts...