Wings Coach Shares Telling Azzi Fudd Message After Clinching Playoff Spot

The Dallas Wings have secured their playoff spot, marking a significant turnaround for the team. After missing the postseason in the last two seasons, the Wings, under the guidance of coach Jose Fernandez, are now poised to compete in the tournament. The victory came courtesy of a 96-78 win over the Portland Fire, securing the team a spot alongside other playoff-bound teams such as Minnesota, Golden State, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Indiana, New York, and Washington.

In the aftermath of clinching their spot, Fernandez shared his thoughts on the absence of No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, who suffered a season-ending knee injury just last week. "We're missing Azzi, who was our best perimeter defender and how she stretched the floor on offense," Fernandez expressed. "So, we're just a little different now in the way we're playing."

He acknowledged that Azzi was watching the team's proceedings, undergoing her recovery procedure, and assured her that she will return to the team, enjoying a successful season much like the one they've experienced before.

Following the All-Star break, Dallas encountered a challenging period, losing seven of their nine games between July 29 and August 17. However, the team managed to bounce back over the past week, winning three consecutive games, including a standout 91-85 win against Caitlin Clark and the Fever. This resurgence enabled Dallas to secure their playoff berth. The team will now focus on securing the playoff seeding over the final five games of the season.