Dallas Wings live up to new head coach Jose Fernandez's 'really high standards' in season-opening win vs. Fever

Paige Bueckers and Odyssey Sims, who started in the backcourt, each scored 20 on high efficiencies and sparked a high-intensity first quarter that set the tone. It later sealed the game, despite missed free throws leaving the Fever in multiple game-tying opportunities.

Bueckers was 8 of 10, patient as the Fever did their best to eliminate her vision. Sims, a member of last year’s “Hospital Fever” crew on a hardship contract, took advantage, going 8 of 11. Aziaha James came off the bench for a perfect 3 of 3 on 3s.

It didn’t show in a bucket-for-bucket contest marred by called fouls as referees adjust to offseason points of emphasis, but their defenders are pesky problems who disrupt a free-flowing team like Indiana.

Consider that drafting in the No. 1 position might prove a luxury for the Wings, versus a necessity most struggling teams require. They used it on UConn national champion shooting guard Azzi Fudd, who came off the bench in her first WNBA action. She had one 3-pointer from the corner in two attempts over 17:31 played, and worked hard to corral the Fever’s dangerous guards of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.

“Nothing, just continue to do what she’s doing,” Fernandez said of what he’s looking for from his top pick. “It’s her first year in the league. We've got five really talented backcourt players in Odyssey Sims, Paige, Arike, Azzi and Aziaha James.”

The frontcourt pairing of former Lynx teammates Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith can be the leveler for Dallas. Shepard was one assist and one rebound shy of a triple-double with 13 points. Smith committed her first foul early in the game and played 19:46. They were bested in the paint, 62-44.

By no means are the Wings a finished product, nor are they riding on the laurels of a three-game win streak — preseason showings included.

“We’re all humble enough to know how hard it is to get wins in this league,” Bueckers said. “I’m not one to live in the past, but I’m not even sure how long it was to get our first win last year.”

“Facts,” Ogunbowale tacked on.

It wasn’t until the fifth game against lowly Connecticut. And it was their only W in a 12-game stretch to start the season, stretching an entire month to June 13. Five of those were in double digits, and they went on to finish 10-34 to secure the best chances in the lottery and win a second consecutive No. 1 pick.

That’s in large part why Fernandez departed a legendary career at South Florida for a mired pro organization in North Texas.

It’s off to a solid start. Bueckers telling reporters they’re remaining focused on winning the day and the practice to build it is one of the better things he’s heard all day.