Azzi Fudd of the Dallas Wings made history as the first rookie to win the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest, scoring 30 points in the finals. Fudd started strong, hitting her initial six shots and outpacing Portland Fire's Bridget Carleton, who finished with 19 points after a slow final round. In the opening round, Carleton had impressed with 29 points, while Fudd scored 24 points. The event also included a Shooting Stars championship won by Team Washington, showcasing high-flying performances from their trio. This year's format included a prize pool significantly larger than previous years, rewarding standout performances with increased monetary incentives.

By the Numbers
  • Fudd scored 30 points in the championship round, matching Sabrina Ionescu's winning score from last season.
  • Carleton scored 29 points in the opening round, hitting 13 of 16 shots.
  • The highest score in the preliminary round of the Shooting Stars competition was 35 points, achieved by Team Washington.
  • The new CBA awarded Fudd $20,000, with total earnings from the contest amounting to $40,000.
State of Play
  • Fudd's performance cements her status as a standout rookie in the WNBA.
  • The WNBA introduced a new contest format, replacing the previous skills competition.
  • Team Washington triumphed in the Shooting Stars championship, highlighting competitive team dynamics.
What's Next

With Fudd's victory, expectations will rise as she continues her rookie season, likely influencing her team's future performance. The growing fan focus on the WNBA All-Star events could lead to further innovations in future competitions. The prize enhancement might encourage higher stakes and increased participation in All-Star events moving forward.

Bottom Line

Fudd's win exemplifies her potential and the evolving landscape of the WNBA, marked by increased rewards and fan engagement. Moving forward, the league's investments in player performances could drive further growth and excitement in women's basketball.