Dallas Wings defeat Chicago Sky behind triple-double from Jessica Shepard

Jessica Shepard recorded the first triple-double of the WNBA season as the Dallas Wings defeated the Chicago Sky 99-89 on Wednesday night.

Photo: ESPN

Jessica Shepard delivered one of the most complete performances of the young WNBA season on Wednesday night.

Shepard recorded the first triple-double of the year with 18 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds as the Dallas Wings defeated the Chicago Sky 99-89 on the road.

Dallas spoiled Chicago’s home opener while snapping a six-game losing streak against the Sky. Shepard controlled the game offensively and efficiently shot 6-for-7 from the field in what became the second triple-double of her WNBA career.

Paige Bueckers led all scorers with 24 points, while Arike Ogunbowale added 22, including back-to-back clutch three-pointers late in the fourth quarter that sealed the victory.

Chicago cut the deficit to three points with just over two minutes remaining, but Dallas responded calmly and finished the game on a decisive run.

The Sky were led by Kamilla Cardoso, who posted 24 points and 11 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. Natasha Cloud added 21 points and eight rebounds, while Skylar Diggins scored 15.

The game also carried emotional weight for Chicago after Rickea Jackson suffered a season-ending ACL injury earlier in the week. Several Sky players wore shirts supporting Jackson during the game.

Dallas improved to 3-2 on the season, while Chicago also dropped to 3-2 after suffering its first home loss.