Wings spoil Ionescu’s return with barrage from Bueckers, Fudd

BROOKLYN – The Dallas Wings used a hot second half to roll past the New York Liberty 91-76 on Sunday behind a dominant backcourt performance from Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd and Arike Ogunbowale.

Why it matters: Dallas improved to 4-3 on the season with the win, showcasing the offensive firepower that made the franchise one of the league’s most intriguing young teams entering the year.

• Bueckers led the way with 24 points.
• Ogunbowale added 19 points.
• Fudd erupted for a season-high 24 points, including 17 in the third quarter.

What happened: The Wings flipped the game immediately after halftime.

• Dallas trailed by one entering the third quarter before Fudd caught fire from deep.
• After missing her first attempt of the half, the rookie knocked down her next five 3-pointers.
• One of the shots banked in from beyond the arc and pushed Dallas ahead 66-53 with 3:15 left in the quarter.

Dallas made seven 3-pointers in the third quarter alone and carried a 71-61 lead into the final 10 minutes.

What they’re saying: Wings head coach Jose Fernandez praised Fudd’s breakout performance after the game.

• “I’m really proud of her," he said. "She stayed the course. She really showed on the national stage; now everyone knows why we took her number one.”

The turning point: Every time New York tried to rally in the fourth quarter, Dallas answered.

• Bueckers controlled the offense late.
• Ogunbowale delivered timely baskets to halt any Liberty momentum.
• New York was never seriously threatened down the stretch.

On the other side: Sunday marked the season debut for Sabrina Ionescu after the Liberty star missed the team’s first five games with a foot injury suffered during preseason.

What’s next: The Wings return home Thursday to host Las Vegas.