Dallas Wings center Jessica Shepard could not have received a better comparison from Las Vegas Aces HC Becky Hammon before a record-breaking night at home.

Prior to tip-off, Hammon heaped praise on Shepard by comparing her work to Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, saying, "just that facilitator, do all that dirty work, get other people involved, and really the offense flows a lot through her from that five-spot position,"

Shepard took those words to heart against the Aces and scored 22 points, with 20 rebounds and 10 assists. After the game, Shepard happily addressed her comparison with Green.

“He’s willing to do whatever the team needs to win. So in comparison to that aspects of his game, yes. In other aspects, maybe I can score a little better than him,” she said as the reporters chuckled.

While the 6'4" center had her fingerprints all over the 95-87 victory for Dallas, she also became the second player after Alyssa Thomas to record a 20+ points, 20+ rebounds, 10+ assists triple-double in WNBA history.

In addition, Shepard tied Caitlin Clark for having the third most triple-doubles in WNBA history.

Sitting alongside Shepard postgame were Paige Bueckers and No.1 overall pick Azzi Fudd, and the latter is finally starting to prove her worth to head coach Jose Fernandez after a fiery performance in her first career start with the Wings.

Azzi Fudd Delivers in First Career Start

Fudd logged in a career-high 37 minutes against the Aces and scored 22 points, two shy of her career best, adding 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.

It was her second straight 20-point outing after a 24-point night at New York, and she is the only rookie this season to score 20 or more points in back-to-back wins.

Dallas fans finally got a glimpse of the backcourt they were yearning for, even before Fudd was selected as the top pick, as Fudd and Bueckers combined for 42 points and 8 assists against the reigning champions.

Starting was new even for a player who has spent her career in the spotlight.

“Obviously, it’s amazing. Anytime I can step on the floor with this group, it’s an honor, and I don’t take it lightly,” Fudd said. “So again, to be on the floor, whether it’s coming off the bench, starting, I’m super grateful.”

Even with the inclusion of Fudd, nobody expected such a strong start from the Wings as Fernandez has now completely changed the mentality of the team that had the worst record last season.

After back-to-back wins against heavyweights like the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces, the Wings will now host the Seattle Storm on June 1.

So, do you think the Dallas Wings have good chances of making it to the playoffs this season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy