Paige Bueckers has achieved plenty of success alongside Jessica Shepard during the veteran’s first season with the Dallas Wings. This past weekend, though, they had to square off against each other as they represented opposing teams at the WNBA All-Star Game.
When Shepard posted images of her All-Star stint in Chicago on Instagram, Bueckers slid into the comments section to let Shepard know that she didn’t want to be opponents anymore.
“But yea I wanna be teammates again,” Bueckers wrote.
Paige Bueckers comments on Jessica Shepard’s IG post (Image via Instagram/@jessicalshepard)
Though Bueckers (12 points, 5-for-11 FG shooting) outscored Shepard (seven points, 3-for-3 from the field) during the All-Star Game, it was Shepard who had the last laugh as she and Team Spoon defeated Team Coop 129-122.
While this marked Bueckers’ second All-Star appearance, Shepard earned the distinction of being named an All-Star for the first time in her six-year WNBA career. This season, Shepard is averaging career highs in scoring (14.9 ppg), rebounds (5.4 rpg), and assists (5.4 apg).
After getting drafted by the Minnesota Lynx in the second round of the 2019 WNBA draft, Shepard encountered rocky times, including a season-long absence in 2020 due to a torn ACL. Last year, Shepard played 40 regular-season games for the first time, but her role was limited to a reserve forward who played just 20 minutes a game.
Shepard’s arrival in Dallas (by way of free agency) coincides with Bueckers’ sophomore season. The second wind in Shepard’s career and the continued brilliance of the 2025 top overall pick have been driving forces behind the Wings’ solid start in the 2026 campaign.
“She’s Special as a Person”: Jessica Shepard Praises Olivia Miles During All-Star Weekend
Another young player Jessica Shepard has gotten along with is Olivia Miles. During a media availability during the All-Star Weekend, Shepard had positive things to say about the Minnesota Lynx rookie.
Shepard went so far as to describe the actual basketball situation that she doesn’t want to defend Miles in.
“She’s special as a person,” Shepard said. “As a basketball player, her game is speaking for itself right now. I know she’s one player that I don’t want to be in the pick-and-roll against.”
During the All-Star Game, Miles was part of the victorious team alongside Shepard. When WNBA action resumes, however, Shepard will go back to defending the many looks that Miles generates off pick-and-roll action.
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