Azzi Fudd and the Dallas Wings moved to 20-16 on Monday night after falling to Kayla Thornton and the Golden State Valkyries 78-70. And on Thursday, the Wings faced another tough home test, hosting Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever at American Airlines Center
Fudd was off to a solid rookie season, averaging 13.1 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. But due to a lingering right knee issue, Fudd has been forced to sit out the last five games, including the Wings’ 98-87 loss against the Fever last Friday.
However, on Wednesday, Fudd announced that she will be undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on her knee, ending the star rookie’s season ahead of a potential WNBA playoff berth.
Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Since Fudd has been out, the Wings have lost four of their last five games. Alysha Clark, Awak Kuier, Odyssey Sims and most recently Aziaha James against Golden State, but Wings coach Jose Hernandez has not been happy with the team’s performance.
Ahead of the Fever matchup, Hernandez revealed that he would be making yet another lineup change. And sure enough, he put Kuier back in the starting lineup, taking Fudd’s former spot.
Dallas started their other normal starters as well, including guards Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, along with forwards Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard. The Fever also went with their normal five as of recent, including Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Makayla Timpson and Aliyah Boston.
“Our five are set🔥,” the Wings wrote on X.
Following the Fever game, the Wings will be back in action on Sunday, facing the Seattle Storm at 4 p.m. ET.
