Jessica Shepard aims to build on monster game as Wings host Storm

The Dallas Wings look to continue to showcase their depth and build on a hot stretch as they host the Seattle Storm on Monday in Arlington, Texas.

The Wings (5-3) have captured four of their past five games, including a 95-87 home win over the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Thursday. Jessica Shepard racked up 22 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists that marked her second triple-double of the season while setting her career high for rebounds and tying her career best for points.

"I came here to help this organization win and kind of take that next step," said Shepard, a sixth-year pro who spent her first five seasons with the Minnesota Lynx. "So, I'm just proud of this team for being able to come back and beat a team like Las Vegas."

Dallas coach Jose Fernandez lauded Shepard for her play and said she's been a huge contributor to the Wings' successful stretch.

"Makes things easier because she's a big that can handle the basketball and get you into things - especially when she gets it off the glass," Fernandez said. "We kept telling our (players), ‘When Jess gets it off the glass, let's get a great rim run. Let's fill the corners. Let's fill the slots.' Usually, you want your bigs to rim-run so defenses have to defend from inside to outside. But her starting and initiating things, she's special."

Azzi Fudd also poured in 22 points in her first start for Dallas while Paige Bueckers added 20 and Awak Kuier hit for 12 off the bench as the Wings rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit. They dominated the second half despite star guard Arike Ogunbowale scoring just one point and sitting out the fourth quarter.

The Storm (3-6) have dropped two straight games, the most recent a 93-72 setback on Saturday at expansion Toronto. Natisha Hiedeman had 18 points and seven assists for Seattle while Jordan Horston added 15 points. Center Dominique Malonga, the team's leading scorer this season, missed her sixth consecutive game while in concussion protocol.

The Storm was outscored by 20 points in the second half after trailing by just one at the break. Seattle was outscored 31-7 at the free-throw line and the Storm's eight free-throw attempts were a season low for the team.

Seattle committed 18 turnovers that led to 23 points for Toronto.

"There's runs that we have to battle, especially when you're on the road," Seattle coach Sonia Raman said. "Generally speaking, we have to take better care of the ball. Some really good looks, we counted our missed shots at the rim and missed a few more than we normally would. Between that and the turnovers, it just made it really challenging in terms of our defense."

Seattle has lost three straight games on the road. Monday's clash is the first of four between the teams this season and marks the start of Commissioner's Cup play that runs June 1-17 with the championship game slated for June 30.

--Field Level Media