Dallas Wings Emphasize Defense After All‑Star Break

After the All‑Star break the Dallas Wings improved to an 18‑9 record, their best season start since 2006. The team highlighted three All‑Star participants—Paige Bueckers, Jessica Shepard and rookie Azzi Fudd, who won the 3‑point contest. Coach Jose Fernandez said the focus for the remaining 17 games will be on defense and rebounding, aiming to raise the Wings' defensive rating from sixth in the league toward a playoff‑qualifying position. General manager Curt Miller echoed the need for better defensive play as the team targets a top‑eight seed and home‑court advantage. The Wings will face the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena, with both squads entering the matchup after recent winning streaks; Dallas averages 89.9 points while allowing 86, and the Mystics average 81.2 points while allowing 83.1.