Shepard had played in Italy for three seasons but switched to Athinaikos Qualco of the Greek A1 League last year; that league’s season ended before WNBA training camp began. All she did in Greece was average 26.4 points and 14.5 rebounds per game while winning Player of the Year honors.
She hasn’t been required to carry the scoring load with the Lynx. She’s the adjustable wrench that keeps the machine running smoothly. But she can get buckets. On Aug. 22, she had 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists against Indiana for only the second Lynx triple-double ever. It occurred during the first 22 minutes of action and was the fastest triple-double in WNBA history. She also is the third WNBA player ever to record a triple-double with no turnovers.
The Lynx are a tough matchup because of their versatility, and Shepard fits right in.
“You don’t know when you miss a season, what it’s gonna look like when you get back,” Reeve said. “And for Jess, forget about the WNBA, but for Jess, she came back a really mature player, really, really confident in her skin.”
Shepard is a monster on the boards, can create for teammates, doesn’t try to do too much offensively and is a menace defensively. Her return has been the biggest addition for the Lynx, one that gives them a better chance of winning their fifth WNBA title.
“I think this is what every kid dreams of,” she said. “Growing up and playing in the WNBA playoffs. So it’s really exciting to be out there.”