The young Dallas Wings have clinched a playoff berth for the first time under first-year head coach Jose Fernandez, marking the franchise’s first postseason appearance in three seasons.
Dallas clinched its first playoff berth since 2023 with a 96-78 blowout victory over the Portland Fire, improving its record to 23-16.
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Guard Paige Bueckers led the team in scoring with 22 points, shooting 8-for-15 from the field and 3-for-3 from the charity stripe. She also dished out 11 assists while grabbing four rebounds.
The victory also gave Dallas a franchise-record 23 regular-season wins.
Currently, the Wings sit eighth in the league standings, with a chance to move up depending on the outcomes of their remaining games.
Jose Fernandez Brings New Offense To Dallas
This season, the Dallas Wings got off to their best start since relocating to North Texas in 2016. Fernandez implemented a new offensive system predicated on ball movement and limited isolation basketball. He challenged the players to be selfless and make the extra pass.
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However, the team struggled entering the All-Star break and had some turbulent moments afterward. The team has since rallied around guard Arike Ogunbowale and forward Jessica Shepard.
Dallas also lost rookie guard Azzi Fudd for the rest of the season due to right knee soreness. Fudd underwent an arthroscopic procedure, while the Wings signed guard Kitija Laksa for the remainder of the season.
During the offseason, the front office, led by President and CEO Greg Bibb and Executive Vice President and General Manager Curt Miller, developed the roster through the draft and free agency. Dallas drafted Fudd No. 1 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft and signed forward Alanna Smith, guard Odyssey Sims, forward Alysha Clark, and Shepard.
Dallas Wings’ Balanced Roster Takes Shape
The Wings are 23-16 after Tuesday night’s blowout win and have five games remaining. The team has a chance to move up in the standings with a strong finish and some help from other teams.
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Dallas’s roster features Bueckers, Fudd, Ogunbowale, Shepard, and guard Aziaha James. The organization has several young players to develop for the future while making a postseason run with experienced veterans.
This season, Bueckers has taken another step as a leader while remaining aggressive offensively.
Bueckers, Ogunbowale, Shepard, and Fudd are the team’s top four scorers, while the roster has contributed collectively.
The Wings’ final five games are all against teams under .500. Their next game will be Aug. 30 against the Connecticut Sun.
