In a remarkable display of skill, Jessica Shepard achieved the fastest triple-double in WNBA history, completing the feat in just 21 minutes and 57 seconds. This milestone contributed significantly to the Minnesota Lynx’s victory over the Indiana Fever with a final score of 95-90 on Friday night in Indianapolis.
Shepard finished the game with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, shooting an impressive 10-for-11 from the field. Notably, she played the entire 40 minutes of the game, leading her team to snap a two-game losing streak and improve their record to 29-7.
Historic Performance and Team Dynamics
Shepard’s historic triple-double places her alongside Moriah Jefferson as the only players in Lynx history to achieve this milestone. The previous record for the fastest triple-double in the league was held by Skylar Diggins, who set it at 22 minutes and 51 seconds on July 28.
Throughout the game, Kayla McBride led all scorers with 29 points, adding five assists while shooting 10-for-19. Natisha Hiedeman also made a significant contribution off the bench, scoring 17 points in just 26 minutes of play. At halftime, Shepard had already recorded a double-double, with 11 points, 10 assists, and 9 rebounds.
The Lynx took control of the game early in the third quarter after Shepard’s driving layup, establishing a lead they would not relinquish. The team outscored the Fever 32-17 during that period, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Fever’s Efforts and Game Highlights
Despite a late-game push by the Fever, which included a 10-4 scoring run in the final four minutes, the comeback fell short. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 27 points, while Lexie Hull contributed a career-high of 23 points. Newly signed Shey Peddy made an impactful start with three consecutive three-pointers, finishing the night with 10 points in 16 minutes after joining the team on a seven-day hardship contract.
The match marked the first meeting between the two teams since the Commissioner’s Cup championship on July 1, where the Fever triumphed 74-59. With this latest win, the Lynx have now improved to 7-3 in their last ten games, positioning themselves strongly as they head towards the playoffs.
As the WNBA season progresses, Shepard’s record-setting performance will undoubtedly be a highlight, illustrating her pivotal role in the Lynx’s success this season.
