The wait around the Dallas Wings’ new era finally ended as they opened their 2026 regular season with a thrilling 107-104 win over the Indiana Fever. But just when fans thought they were about to get the full Paige Bueckers-Azzi Fudd experience in one of the most highly anticipated games of the season, the Wings threw in a surprise nobody saw coming.

For months, the conversation around Dallas centered on one thing: reuniting Bueckers with her longtime UConn teammate Fudd. And when the franchise doubled down on that vision by selecting Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, anticipation for their on-court partnership immediately skyrocketed. Now, pair that with Caitlin Clark returning fully healthy after an injury-riddled 2025 season, and you’ll understand why this was bigger than just Game 1, which is exactly why Dallas’ starting lineup caught everyone off guard.

When the Wings revealed their opening five ahead of tipoff, Azzi Fudd’s name was nowhere to be found, because Dallas chose to roll their dice with a veteran-heavy lineup featuring Odyssey Sims, Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, and Alanna Smith. Hence, the top pick officially made her debut off the bench.

This move was especially surprising considering Fudd started both of Dallas’ preseason games. In those appearances, she averaged 8 points per game while rekindling her chemistry alongside Bueckers. So this change in the lineup had everyone asking – why?

While there’s been no official explanation, the reason behind this decision seems to be the return of Arike Ogunbowale. The Wings star missed both the preseason games after dealing with an ankle injury, which she suffered during the offseason. However, as she was cleared to return, Dallas quickly added her to the starting lineup, while Fudd moved to the bench as the rookie eases into regular-season action.

And to be honest, this decision did end up making sense as Dallas clearly approached opening night with balance in mind. Ogunbowale remains one of the franchise’s most dangerous scorers and experienced veterans, while Fudd is still adjusting to the pace and physicality of the WNBA. So bringing her along gradually could simply be the Wings’ way of making sure the transition stays smooth over a long season.

Still, Fudd did not have to wait too long before hearing her name called. The rookie checked into the game during the first quarter with less than four minutes remaining on the clock. She eventually logged 18 minutes in her WNBA debut and knocked down a lone three-pointer in the process.

But it is also worth noting that, starting off the bench has placed Azzi Fudd in a surprisingly rare bit of WNBA history. Fudd became just the fifth No. 1 overall pick in league history to come off the bench in her WNBA debut. She joined a short list that includes Kelsey Plum, Angel McCoughtry, Janel McCarville, and Ann Wauters.

But while this unexpected move dominated the conversation, it was not the only storyline hidden inside Dallas’ starting lineup.

While Azzi Fudd came off the bench, Dallas Trusted Ex-Fever Veteran Alongside Paige Bueckers

One name in the starting lineup that caught everyone’s attention was Odyssey Sims.

After enduring one of the worst seasons in franchise history last year, Dallas entered 2026 determined to surround its young core with stability and experience — and Sims checked every box. The former No. 2 overall pick agreed to a one-year deal with the Wings during the offseason, returning to a franchise where she has already spent multiple stints throughout her career. But this move was never simply about familiarity or nostalgia.

Dallas needed a guard capable of balancing scoring with playmaking while helping organize the offense around Bueckers and the team’s younger pieces. Sims already proved she could thrive in that role during her stint with the Indiana Fever in 2025, where she averaged 10.1 points and 3.8 assists per game while helping the team navigate injuries and rotation changes throughout the season.

So now, the Wings are hoping that same veteran presence can help speed up their rebuild, and if opening night was any indication, the fit already looks promising.

Against her former team, Sims delivered one of the biggest performances of the night. The veteran guard played over 25 minutes and finished with 20 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists while helping steady Dallas in key moments during the 107-104 victory.

And in many ways, that performance perfectly summed up what the Wings are trying to build this season. Dallas may have entered the year with one of the league’s most exciting young cores, but opening night showed they are not relying on potential alone. Between Ogunbowale’s return, Sims’ veteran impact, and Azzi Fudd slowly being worked into the rotation, the Wings appear focused on blending immediate competitiveness with long-term growth.