The Dallas Wings suffered a heartbreaking 99-98 overtime defeat to the New York Liberty on Monday night, bringing their impressive six-game winning streak to an abrupt end.
Breanna Stewart delivered a dominant performance for the visitors, recording a game-high 33 points along with eight assists and 13 rebounds to lead her team to victory.
This loss leaves the Wings with a solid 17-9 record as the WNBA All-Star break draws near, placing them fourth in the overall league standings. The franchise has undergone a remarkable transformation after securing the top draft selection in both 2025 and 2026, building a competitive roster centered around promising young talent from the University of Connecticut.
Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in 2025, has emerged as a cornerstone of the team’s resurgence even though she sat out Monday’s contest. As an All-Star starter and captain, the guard is putting up impressive numbers this season, including 20.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. She is also knocking down 1.8 three-pointers nightly while connecting at a 38.5 percent clip from beyond the arc.
Azzi Fudd, selected first overall in 2026, has quickly proven herself as a vital contributor in her rookie campaign. The 5-foot-11 guard is averaging 13.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.9 steals across 31.6 minutes per outing. Her shooting touch has been particularly sharp, with 2.0 made three-pointers per game on 38.8 percent accuracy from long range.
Monday’s matchup marked Fudd’s 25th appearance of the season, during which she logged a game-high 43 minutes. The Virginia native finished with 15 points, one rebound, and two assists while going 3-for-6 from three-point territory. Those three successful shots pushed her season total to exactly 50 made three-pointers.
This milestone carries significant historical weight for the rookie. Reaching 50 career three-pointers in just 25 games positions Fudd as the fifth-fastest player in WNBA history to achieve the feat. Her recent form has been exceptional, highlighted by a streak of four consecutive games with at least three made threes.
“Azzi Fudd is the 5th fastest player since 1999,” Real App wrote on X. “To reach 50 career threes made.”
Fudd’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from distance has added a dynamic element to the Wings’ offense. As a former Connecticut Husky alongside Bueckers, she has helped inject energy and skill into a squad that entered the year with high expectations following back-to-back high draft picks.
The narrow overtime loss to a strong Liberty team underscores both the competitiveness of the Wings and the areas where they continue to grow.
Despite the defeat, the group’s overall trajectory remains positive, with a blend of veteran presence and youthful talent creating exciting possibilities for the second half of the season.
Looking ahead, Dallas will look to bounce back quickly on the road. The team is scheduled to visit the Portland Fire on Wednesday night at the Moda Center, with tip-off set for 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Fans can catch the action on USA Network and CNBC.
This upcoming contest offers the Wings an opportunity to regain momentum before the All-Star break. With Fudd continuing to build on her strong rookie start and Bueckers ready to contribute upon her return, Dallas possesses the pieces necessary to remain a formidable presence in the standings.
The franchise’s recent success demonstrates the long-term benefits of strategic drafting.
By investing in elite prospects like Bueckers and Fudd, the Wings have rapidly shifted from rebuilding mode to playoff contention, setting the stage for sustained competitiveness in the years to come.
