The Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd has been excellent when it comes to defense, leading the rookies in blocks and steals this season. She recently talked about a key trait that drives her to be better on the defensive end.

Recently, on Sunday, June 28, Fudd appeared on CBS Sports when WNBA legend Lisa Leslie asked her about her impact on the defensive end. Fudd replied stating the key element of her defense being her effort on the court.

"I feel like defense is one of the more controllable things," Fudd said in a video segment posted by CBS sports on X.

Fudd has been brilliant when it comes to defense, averaging 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, leading the rookies as well as ranking fifth in the league for steals per game. Not only that, but she also ranks second among the rookies in points, averaging 13.6 points per game.

"I feel like it's mostly effort. So when I'm on the floor, I'm like I might not know when or where I'm gonna get the ball, if I'm gonna make shots that day, can't control whether the ball's going or not. But I can control, you know, can I keep my man in front of me like I'm boxing out, am I spinning the floor, so just those little things I'm taking pride in." She further added.

Fudd has been brilliant when it comes to defense, averaging 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, leading the rookies as well as ranking fifth in the league for steals per game. Not only that, but she also ranks second among the rookies in points, averaging 13.6 points per game.

To her, defense is a thing that can be controlled, with effort being the key element for success. Before being the 2026 WNBA No. 1 overall pick, she averaged a stunning 4.8 steals and 0.9 blocks per game with the UConn Huskies women's basketball team during her last year in college.

She averaged 3.3 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 3.6 defensive rebounds in her five-year college career. Having such great stats in college, she has continued to make an impact defensively for the Wings.

Azzi Fudd And The Wings Have Been Impressive In Defense

Fudd has been a defensive wall for the Wings, leading the team in blocks and steals per game. Even in their latest loss to the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, June 28, which the Lynx won 85-77, according to StatsWNBA, Fudd recorded four steals and a block, marking her second-highest steal total this season.

She had five steals, her highest steals in a game this season, against the Golden State Valkyries on June 17.

The Wings have been able to shut down opponents' attacks with Fudd's help, allowing just 85.6 points per game and ranking fifth in the league in that category.

Dallas have also been vigilant when it comes to transitional play, allowing just 10.1 fast-break points per game and ranking third alongside the Atlanta Dream.

They also rank sixth in the league in both defensive rating and steals, with a defensive rating of 105.7 and an average of 7.6 steals per game. The Wings stand fourth in the Western Conference and sixth overall, with a record of 11-8.

They will next play against the Connecticut Sun on July 2, at the PeoplesBank Arena.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi