Viral Culb

Azzi Fudd shines in first career start, leading Dallas Wings to victory

Rookie sensation Azzi Fudd delivered a stellar performance in her first WNBA start, powering the Dallas Wings to a much-needed victory over the Las Vegas Aces on Thursday night. The No. 1 overall pick from UConn finished with a game-high 26 points, including six made three-pointers, while adding four assists and two steals. Fudd’s elite shooting range and composure under pressure were on full display as she started alongside Paige Bueckers in the backcourt. Her scoring outburst helped Dallas overcome a strong Aces squad led by A’ja Wilson. Wings head coach Jose Fernandez praised Fudd’s readiness and poise. “She stepped up big time tonight. This is just the beginning for her,” he said. The win improves Dallas’ early season record and boosts confidence in their young core as they battle in a competitive Western Conference. Fudd’s breakout night signals her potential as a future star and gives Wings fans plenty of reason for optimism.

Jonquel Jones believes Liberty are building toward resilient identity after win over Mercury

New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones highlighted her team’s growing mental toughness following a hard-fought victory over the Phoenix Mercury. The two-time MVP praised her teammates for staying composed through adversity and executing down the stretch in what she described as a “character-building win.”The Liberty improved to a strong record early in the 2026 season, showing improved depth and defensive intensity. Jones, a cornerstone of the franchise, recorded a double-double in the contest, dominating the paint and anchoring the defense. She emphasized that the team is developing a resilient identity capable of weathering tough stretches and road challenges.Head coach Sandy Brondello echoed Jones’ sentiments, noting the squad’s maturity in closing out games against quality opponents. With Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and a deep supporting cast, the Liberty continue to position themselves as Eastern Conference favorites and title contenders.The win over Mercury reinforced New York’s belief that they are forging the championship mentality needed for a deep playoff run.

Dream Coach Discusses Key Challenge Decision on Angel Reese During Close Loss to Lynx

Atlanta Dream head coach Karl Smesko addressed the critical replay challenge on Angel Reese that proved pivotal in their narrow loss to the Minnesota Lynx. In a tightly contested game between two Eastern Conference contenders, Reese was involved in a rebounding scramble late in the fourth quarter. The Dream used their final challenge hoping to overturn an out-of-bounds call, but the review upheld the ruling, giving Minnesota possession with under a minute remaining. The Lynx capitalized and secured the victory. Smesko defended the decision postgame, noting the play was “close enough to warrant the challenge” given the stakes and Reese’s impact on the glass. Reese finished with a double-double, continuing her strong presence on both ends, but the failed challenge became a talking point. Despite the defeat, the Dream remain one of the league’s hottest teams. Smesko emphasized growth and preparation for upcoming matchups as Atlanta pushes for a top playoff seed.

Hailey Van Lith Waived For a Second Time This WNBA Season

The Connecticut Sun have waived guard Hailey Van Lith for the second time this WNBA season, making room to activate 2024 first-round pick Leïla Lacan. Van Lith was originally drafted No. 11 overall by the Chicago Sky in 2025, waived shortly after, and claimed off waivers by the Sun earlier in May. In nine games with Connecticut (three starts), the former Louisville, LSU, and TCU standout averaged 8.1 points per game while shooting an impressive 49.2% from the field and 47.1% from three-point range. Despite her efficient scoring off the bench, the move was necessary due to the league’s strict 12-player roster limit. Lacan returns after leading Basket Landes to a French league championship and earning Finals MVP honors. Her addition brings international experience to a struggling Sun team sitting at 1-8 early in the 2026 campaign. Van Lith will now clear waivers and could be claimed by another franchise or signed to a developmental deal.

Indiana Fever Coach Stephanie White Shares Similarities With Caitlin Clark
Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White opened up about her strong relationship with superstar guard Caitlin Clark, revealing deep personal similarities that strengthen their player-coach bond. In a recent interview, White expressed admiration for Clark as both a player and person, noting how she handles the spotlight with professionalism. “We’re very much alike in terms of our competitive fire, our competitive spirit, our perfectionism, and Type A personalities,” White said. She added that she loves going to work with Clark every day because of her desire to be coached hard and pushed to greatness. The shared intensity and drive have helped foster trust amid the pressures of a demanding WNBA season and heightened expectations in Indiana. White, a former WNBA player herself, appreciates Clark’s elite work ethic and relentless pursuit of winning. This alignment comes as the Fever navigate the 2026 season with Clark leading the offense despite recent injury management concerns.

Aces HC Becky Hammon on verge of historic milestone only bested by 1 person

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon is on the cusp of another major coaching milestone in her young WNBA career. With the Aces off to a strong 4-2 start in the 2026 season, Hammon is closing in on becoming one of the fastest coaches ever to reach a significant win total, a mark surpassed by just one coach in league history. Since taking over in 2022, Hammon has already led the Aces to three WNBA championships (2022, 2023, 2025) and established herself as one of the league’s elite tacticians. She previously became the fastest woman head coach to 100 career wins, reaching the milestone in just 142 games — the third-fastest overall in WNBA history. Her .729 career winning percentage ranks among the best. As the Aces chase a fourth title in five years, Hammon continues to rewrite the record books while building a dynasty alongside stars like A’ja Wilson.

Wings rookie Azzi Fudd set to make first WNBA start; Alanna Smith out

Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd will make her first career WNBA start tonight when the team hosts the Las Vegas Aces. Head coach Jose Fernandez confirmed the move, elevating the No. 1 overall pick from UConn into the starting lineup alongside Paige Bueckers. Fudd has impressed early in her professional career, showing elite shooting range and scoring bursts off the bench. The decision comes as veteran forward Alanna Smith will miss the contest due to injury, forcing adjustments to Dallas’ frontcourt rotation. The high-profile matchup against A’ja Wilson and the defending champion Aces provides a major stage for Fudd to showcase her talent. Through limited action so far in the 2026 season, the dynamic guard has flashed the scoring ability and competitiveness that made her a college superstar. The Wings, still searching for consistency, hope Fudd’s promotion sparks offensive rhythm as they navigate a tough Western Conference slate.

Dallas Wings to Start Azzi Fudd in Her First Career Game Against Aces Tonight

Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez announced that 2026 No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd will make her first career start tonight when the Wings host the Las Vegas Aces. The highly anticipated matchup pits the young Dallas backcourt of Fudd and Paige Bueckers against defending champions led by A’ja Wilson. Fudd, averaging around 9-11 points off the bench through the early season, has shown flashes of her elite shooting and scoring ability, including a recent standout performance with 24 points and six three-pointers. Wings fans have been eagerly awaiting this moment for the UConn standout, who was selected first overall after a decorated college career. Starting Fudd signals growing trust in the rookie’s readiness and fits Dallas’ strategy of developing their young core alongside veterans. The game tips off at 7 p.m. CT at College Park Center and will be broadcast on Prime Video. A strong showing from Fudd could boost Dallas’ playoff hopes in a competitive Western Conference.

Olivia Miles and the Minnesota Lynx have been an instant match in a WNBA season of change

Rookie guard Olivia Miles has seamlessly integrated into the Minnesota Lynx lineup, emerging as a perfect fit amid significant roster evolution in 2026. Selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the WNBA Draft out of TCU, the 23-year-old point guard is already starting and delivering elite production for a Lynx team at 5-2. Through seven games, Miles is averaging 15.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. Her playmaking vision, pick-and-roll ex*****on, and defensive steals have powered Minnesota’s league-leading offense and stout defense. In a recent rout of the Atlanta Dream, she posted 16 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve has praised Miles’ basketball IQ and leadership. The addition addresses a longtime need at point guard while complementing veterans like Napheesa Collier and Courtney Williams in a year of transition. Miles’ rapid impact positions her as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year and signals bright contention hopes for Minnesota.

Caitlin Clark will be on injury report moving forward, Stephanie White says

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White confirmed that superstar guard Caitlin Clark will continue to appear on the official injury report going forward as she manages ongoing back soreness. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, White stated the team will list Clark as “probable” to ensure full transparency and avoid any further issues with WNBA league policy following last week’s warning over reporting procedures. Clark was a late scratch against Portland due to back stiffness after not appearing on the prior day’s report. The cautious approach comes amid a demanding schedule for the Fever. White emphasized the move is precautionary and not long-term load management, with Clark described as otherwise healthy and day-to-day. The league’s biggest star has been dominant this season, leading the Fever in scoring and assists while chasing multiple records. Fans remain hopeful the back issue stays minor as Indiana pushes for playoff positioning in the competitive Eastern Conference. Clark is expected to play in upcoming games while being monitored closely.