Wings’ Jessica Shepard posted stats never seen before in WNBA history originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Las Vegas Aces probably saw Jessica Shepard in their nightmares on Thursday.
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It would make some sense, as Shepard accrued a triple-double the likes of which never has been seen in the WNBA’s 30-season history.
Shepard had only the 23rd 20-point/20-rebound game in WNBA history on Thursday, as she scored 22 points and hauled in a career-high 20 boards in the Dallas Wings‘ 95-87 win over the Aces.
But Shepard — regarded as one of the best passing bigs in the WNBA — also dished out 10 assists to complete her incredible triple-double. Only Alyssa Thomas in 2023 has recorded a 20-20-10 triple-double in league history.
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Shepard, a key reserve with the Minnesota Lynx before she moved on to the Wings in free agency, is no stranger to gaudy numbers like these though.
Last season, Shepard had a 22-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double for the Lynx against the Indiana Fever. In her sixth WNBA season, Shepard is getting a chance as a regular starter for the first time — and she has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Shepard already has played four games (out of eight) in which she has scored 10-plus points, recorded 10-plus rebounds and made at least five assists. The rest of the league has six such games combined.
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Shepard is more than just a serviceable starter: she might be All-WNBA material. Just ask Becky Hammon and the Aces what they think.
