Dallas Wings WATCH: Jose Fernandez, Paige Bueckers, Odyssey Sims Preview Home Opener vs. Atlanta Dream

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 while Dallas has played well, including preseason, they cannot get “complacent” as they look to improve a defense that allowed 104 points to Indiana.
• The Point Guard Hierarchy: Jose Fernandez was direct about his decision to start Odyssey Sims over Bueckers, citing a desire to “save Paige’s legs” for the fourth quarter. By playing Bueckers off the ball, Fernandez hopes to prevent opponents from “wearing her out” by picking her up 94 feet and trapping her in pick-and-roll sets.
• Reese and the Perimeter Threat: Fernandez highlighted the need to “guard the arc” against Atlanta’s dynamic wings, while also accounting for Angel Reese. Bueckers praised Reese’s versatility, noting her ability to guard 1-through-5 and her contagious energy that “brings confidence to her teammates.”
• Azzi Fudd’s Integration: While Fernandez acknowledged Azzi Fudd is capable of starting, he emphasized that his focus is currently on the “makeup of the team” and getting her more involved. He noted that the chemistry build is ongoing, especially with Arike Ogunbowale, Awak Kuier, and Jessica Shepard all having limited practice time together.
• The Championship Standard: Sims highlighted the cultural shift under Fernandez, stating he holds the team to a “very, very, very high standard” focused on a championship. Despite the win in Indiana, Sims noted that “easy turnovers” and “live-ball turnovers” remain unacceptable under the new staff’s expectations.