Dallas Wings Break Three-Year Drought Amid Action-Packed Night Against Fire

The Dallas Wings are officially on their way to the playoffs after their win against Portland. The Wings have managed to shake off a three-year drought and finally got their playoff ticket after defeating the Fire by a large margin, mainly thanks to Paige Bueckers‘ twenty-two on the board.

The Wings have been on the mend ever since Bueckers joined their roster last year and only got better this time out with the addition of Azzi Fudd. Right after the team brought in Fudd, Dallas got quite a bit of condemnation for choosing to go with Bueckers’ girlfriend instead of someone else. However, both the partners quickly proved that they were here to win and not just show off their romance.

Fudd will not be seen in the playoffs this time out as she is scheduled to undergo surgery for her injury. This means that the Dallas Wings will have to fully rely on Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale among others, to take them forward.

“It means a lot, just in terms of all that we’ve overcame throughout this season, and how we did it together, and how much we love and appreciate each other, how connected we are. We really have fun coming to work together. So honestly, as far as we can extend this season, that’s what we want to do.” Paige Bueckers said after the win against Portland.

“It means a lot, just in terms of all that we’ve overcame throughout this season, and how we did it together, and how much we love and appreciate each other, how connected we are. We really have fun coming to work together. So honestly, as far as we can extend this season, that’s what we want to do.” Paige Bueckers said after the win against Portland.

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Jul 12, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks to move the ball past Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot (22) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Nevertheless, the team getting into the playoffs has delighted many fans who clearly did not expect them to do so this year. Needless to say, the Wings have been abysmally disappointing their fans for the last few years and no one predicted them to make it to the playoffs this year.

If the Dallas Wings need to applaud someone for their team clinching a spot in the playoffs, it has to be Jose Fernandez. The head coach has managed to shape up the entire team, not just Bueckers, tapping their best potential and bringing them this far.

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Jul 19, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) and Los Angeles Sparks guard Erica Wheeler (17) react after a play during the second half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Fernandez incidentally has a close friendship with Geno Auriemma, who was Bueckers’ NCAA coach in her time with UConn. Obviously, this turned out to be more comforting for Bueckers who has always looked up to Auriemma and now Fernandez.

Apparently, Auriemma had more than just a few pieces of advice for Fernandez on handling his star student, asking him to give her plenty of freedom and then take it away to ensure that she learns more structure.