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Shakira Austin narrowly loses the 2026 WNBA Most Improved Player award

Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard earned the 2026 Most Improved Player honor from the WNBA following a campaign where she posted averages of 14.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest. Shepard secured twenty-nine ballots to capture the trophy, edging out the runner-up from Washington.

Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin finished closely behind in the voting with twenty-five tallies after recording personal bests of 17 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists each night. Although Austin missed out on an All-Star selection this year, she paced her squad in scoring average.

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