CHICAGO — Azzi Fudd made history on Friday night without even realizing it. The Dallas Wings rookie, taken first overall in this year's WNBA draft, became the first rookie ever to win the WNBA All-Star 3-point contest, scoring 30 points in the championship round at Wintrust Arena.
Fudd, who admitted after the win that she had no idea no rookie had ever won the event before, put on a clinic in the finals. She connected on her first six shots to establish an early rhythm and never looked back, finishing with 30 points — tied for the second-highest total in contest history alongside Sabrina Ionescu and Allie Quigley. Ionescu still holds the all-time record with 37 points, set in 2023.
"That's crazy — to be the first is definitely an honor," Fudd said after accepting the trophy.
Bridget Carleton of the expansion Portland Fire had been the standout of the opening round, pouring in 29 points by hitting 13 of her first 16 attempts in front of a crowd that included Jayson Tatum, Russell Westbrook, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Dwyane Wade, and Sheryl Swoopes. But Carleton struggled in the finals, managing just 19 points as Fudd pulled away.
The victory came with a significant financial boost. Under the WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement, Fudd earned $20,000 for winning the contest — roughly eight times last season's prize money — plus an additional $40,000 from Aflac, which has sponsored bonus payouts for the past two years. Carleton took home $30,000 for second place, while Atlanta's Rhyne Howard received $15,000 for third.
The 3-point contest capped the Friday night All-Star festivities in Chicago. The field also included Golden State's Janelle Salaun (19 points), Toronto's Marina Mabrey (18), and Minnesota's Natisha Heideman (17).
Fresh off her victory, Fudd issued a playful challenge to Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, recalling a 3-point competition the two had when she attended his camp in high school.
"I mean Steph, if you're listening, I'm asking for a rematch," Fudd said with a smile.
In the accompanying Shooting Stars competition, Team Washington — featuring Elena Delle Donne, Shakira Austin, and high school standout Jezelle Banks — took the title with 31 points in the finals. Banks' two 4-point shots from near halfcourt proved decisive.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/shooting-stars-3-point-wnba-all-star-36e4263bec78ddd3e285ff070d73af74
