Jessica Shepard, Team Dallas/Detroit Eliminated In First Round Of 2026 WNBA Shooting Stars

CHICAGO — Jessica Shepard‘s first All-Star Weekend event ended in the opening round.

Team Dallas/Detroit scored 20 points in the first round of the WNBA Shooting Stars competition on Friday night at Wintrust Arena, third among the four teams and 6 points short of the final. Shepard was joined by Detroit Shock great Deanna “Tweety” Nolan and high school guard Morghan Reckley.

The format allotted each three-person team one minute and 10 seconds to score from seven specific spots on the floor. Each team included a WNBA legend, a current player, and a high schooler. Four teams participated, each representing a WNBA market, and two of them advanced.

Earlier on Friday at All-Star practice, Shepard was asked what attracted her to the event.

“I think it’s just a fun idea,” Shepard said. “Having a legend, a current player, and a youth player creates a fun environment, and I’m excited to compete in it.”

Team Washington Takes The Title

Washington opened with 35 points, the highest total of the night in either round. Dallas/Detroit followed with 20 and did not make a half-court shot. Minnesota, with Rebekkah Brunson, Courtney Williams, and Ryan Carter, posted 19.

Seattle shot last. Lauren Jackson, Flau’jae Johnson, and Tatianna Griffin knocked down two from half-court to reach 26 and take the second spot in the final.

Seattle shot first in the final round and finished at 24.

Washington answered with 31. Elena Delle Donne won the 2019 title with the Mystics and was the league MVP in 2015 and 2019. Shakira Austin was Washington’s first-round pick in 2022. Jezelle “GG” Banks shot the high school leg.

Representing Dallas

Shepard signed a multi-year contract with Dallas in April after spending her entire WNBA career with the Minnesota Lynx. She was named an All-Star for the first time this season and will start Saturday.

The Wings had three players participate over the weekend. Shepard competed in the Shooting Stars event, Azzi Fudd was the only rookie in the six-shooter 3-Point Contest, and Shepard and Paige Bueckers earned spots on the All-Star roster.

Shepard was asked at Friday’s practice about the organization’s presence throughout the weekend.

“I think that speaks volumes about our team this year,” Shepard said. “Obviously, Azzi being in the Three-Point Contest is huge for her as a rookie, and it’s great to see our team represented throughout the weekend.”

Azzi Fudd Delivers For Dallas

The 3-Point Contest took place later on Friday night. Fudd scored 30 points in the final round, defeating Portland’s Bridget Carleton, who finished with 19, making her the first rookie to win the event.

Shepard had been asked at practice for a prediction.

“There’s only one answer — Azzi Fudd,” Shepard said.

What’s Next

The 2026 WNBA All-Star Game tips off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. CT at United Center. Shepard and Bueckers are both on the roster, and the game airs on Disney+ and the ESPN App.