Rookie Azzi Fudd has been an asset to the Dallas Wings ever since her breakout performance against the New York Liberty on May 24. She scored a team-high and career-best 24 points along with two blocks. Recently, she spoke about her defensive abilities in the post-game interview.

The No. 1 draft player this season was asked about her development on the defensive side in her young career, per an X post by USA Sports on June 2, 2026. She responded while pointing out a rumor she had heard.

"I really think defense is mostly effort, so just having a defensive mentality. I've been told teams like to pick on me? I don't know why I feel like I play pretty hard."

While we are not aware of who told Fudd that teams were picking on her, we do know that Fudd is the only rookie in the WNBA this season averaging one block and one steal per game.

The 23-year-old has actually been quite impressive in her debut season with the Wings. In the seven games that the rookie has played so far, she has made seven blocks and eight steals, showcasing her defensive prowess.

"I just try to make things difficult; everyone in this league is extremely talented, can get whatever they want most nights." Fudd added. "It's just my job to make things hard for them."

She had definitely made things hard for her opponents, with the Dallas Wings holding a 5-3 record so far in the regular season, with a power rating of three at the end of Week 3.

But apart from her defensive stats, the rookie has enhanced her overall game throughout the season.

Azzi Fudd Has Been Improving With Every Game

Ever since Fudd got her breakout start of the season against the Liberty, she has been a key player for the Wings.

She also scored 22 points against the Las Vegas Aces on May 28 as the Wings beat them 95-87. She contributed to the Wings' latest win against the Seattle Storm as well, scoring nine points, with the game ending 79-56.

Fudd has averaged 12.6 points, 1.1 steals, and one block per game so far. She uses the advantage of opponents giving her free space while trying to block other stars of the Wings, such as Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale.

Even veteran and three-time WNBA winner A’ja Wilson also spoke about Fudd's talent.

"I feel like in college I would always have slip-ups, but it felt like when it came to Azzi, she just was so steady-minded. Her mental is always so tough."

Fudd's contributions to the Wings have won them three consecutive games: against the Liberty, the Aces, and the Storm. They will look to extend the lead further when they face the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday.

What do you think of Azzi Fudd's defensive capabilities? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Surjo Ray