STWF Sports | AUSTIN, Texas | May 3, 2026 — In a performance that turned heads across the league, the Dallas Wings closed out their preseason with authority, defeating the defending champion Las Vegas Aces 101-84 at a sold-out Moody Center.

The victory capped a perfect 2-0 preseason for Dallas and served as a statement of intent ahead of the 2026 regular season. Against one of the WNBA’s premier franchises, the Wings showcased depth, offensive fluidity, and a relentless defensive motor that overwhelmed Las Vegas from the opening quarter.

The Rise of the Dallas Wings

From the outset, Dallas dictated the tempo. A hot shooting start — highlighted by early three-pointers from Alanna Smith — helped the Wings jump out to an 8-2 lead and set the tone for a dominant first quarter. By the end of the opening period, Dallas had built a commanding 35-20 advantage, fueled by efficient shooting and a surge from the bench.

Leading that early charge was guard Aziaha James, who provided an instant spark off the bench. James finished with a team-high 18 points in just 16 minutes, adding four rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block in one of the most impactful performances of the night.

Dallas’ balanced attack proved to be the difference. Five players scored in double figures, reflecting the depth and versatility of a roster that appears poised to take a step forward. Forward Maddy Siegrist continued her strong preseason form, scoring 14 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting performance while contributing on the glass.

Veteran Alanna Smith and rookie Azzi Fudd each added 12 points, spacing the floor and capitalizing on Dallas’ crisp ball movement. Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers orchestrated the offense with precision, finishing with 11 points and a team-high nine assists, narrowly missing a double-double.

The Wings’ offensive efficiency was evident throughout. Dallas shot 49.3 percent from the field and an impressive 45 percent from beyond the arc, consistently finding open looks through side-to-side movement and unselfish play. The ball rarely stuck, as the Wings’ system created opportunities for multiple contributors.

While Las Vegas showed flashes of its championship pedigree — led by 18 points from A’ja Wilson — the Aces struggled to match Dallas’ pace and perimeter shooting. The Wings also controlled the glass, outrebounding Las Vegas 34-26, and dominated bench production with a 47-23 advantage.

The second quarter saw the Aces attempt to claw back into the contest, trimming the deficit with a brief run. However, Dallas maintained control, taking a 54-42 lead into halftime behind continued efficiency from beyond the arc and a strong presence on the boards.

Any hopes of a Las Vegas comeback were effectively dashed in the third quarter. Dallas opened the second half with a 7-3 run and extended its lead to as many as 20 points. Contributions came from across the roster, with eight different players scoring in the period — a testament to the team’s depth and cohesion.

By the fourth quarter, the outcome was no longer in doubt. The Wings pushed their lead to 24 points early in the final frame, cruising to a comfortable 17-point victory despite a late push from the Aces.

Beyond the box score, Sunday’s performance offered encouraging signs for Dallas. Newcomer Jessica Shepard contributed six points, five rebounds and two assists in her first unofficial appearance with the team, while JJ Quinerly returned to action with seven points, three rebounds and three assists after missing significant time due to injury.

The game also highlighted the Wings’ commitment to a high-energy, team-first identity under head coach Jose Fernandez. The ball movement, defensive pressure, and collective effort reflected a group buying into a system designed to maximize both talent and effort.

With the preseason complete, Dallas now turns its focus to the regular season, where expectations have quietly begun to rise. The Wings will open their 2026 campaign on the road against the Indiana Fever on May 9 before returning home to face the Atlanta Dream in their home opener at College Park Center.

If Sunday’s performance is any indication, the Wings are not just preparing for the season — they are ready to make noise.