Jessica Shepard Sets WNBA Triple-Double Record
In a historic night for women’s basketball, Jessica Shepard of the Minnesota Lynx broke records and led her team to victory against the Indiana Fever. Shepard needed less than 22 minutes to record a triple-double, the fastest in WNBA history. Shepard finished the game with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, with an impressive 10 of 11 field goal shooting. He completed his triple-double in just 21 minutes and 57 seconds of play. The previous record was held by Skylar Diggins, who achieved the feat in 22 minutes and 51 seconds. With this performance, Shepard joins Moriah Jefferson as the only Lynx players to achieve a triple-double in franchise history. Kayla McBride shined with 29 points, leading Minnesota’s offense, which ended a two-game losing streak. The team now has a 7-3 record in its last 10 games. Natisha Hiedeman scored 17 points off the bench. Shepard, who already had a double-double at halftime, revealed that she wasn’t aware of the triple-double’s proximity until her teammates mentioned it to her.Minnesota definitively took the lead thanks to a Shepard layup at the beginning of the third quarter, outscoring the Fever 32-17 in that period. Despite a comeback attempt by Indiana in the final minutes, the effort was insufficient. McBride highlighted Shepard’s impact on the game, especially in the absence of Napheesa Collier due to injury.“After two losses and starting this game the way we did, we knew we needed to come out better in the second half,” Shepard said. “And obviously, if you’re going to have a triple-double, you have to win the game, so I’m proud of our whole team for getting the win today.”
Jessica Shepard
Shey Peddy, who joined the team on an emergency contract, debuted with three consecutive three-pointers and finished with 10 points. Kelsey Mitchell led the Indiana Fever with 27 points, while Lexie Hull scored a career-high 23 points. Caitlin Clark did not participate in the game due to a groin injury.“She gave us everything,” McBride said. “The triple-double was great, but I don’t even think she realized what she was doing, because she was just playing like she always does. … And obviously, with Collier out, she’s really stepping into that spot and doing her thing, because it’s not easy to fill that void.”
Kayla McBride
