INDIANAPOLIS – In a game with few positives to draw from, rookie Makayla Timpson shone for the Indiana Fever.
The Golden State Valkyries defeated Indiana 80-61 Wednesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Timpson finished with 10 points, six rebounds, two blocks and a game-high three steals.
Timspon played 14 minutes in the first 15 games of the season. She’s logged 60 minutes in the past four regular-season games. Earlier this season, Fever coach Stephanie White said she had expected Timpson to receive more minutes with Damiris Dantas playing in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. Dantas returned against Golden State, but Timpson still played a season-high 20 minutes.
“Playing more has helped me gain a lot of confidence. My coaches trust in me and my teammates believe in me. I’m up for the challenge, and they see a lot of good things in me,” Timpson told IndyStar on Saturday. “I always want to go out there and do the little things like rebounding, playing hard, running the floor, doing the small things to keep the minutes moving forward.”
After Wednesday’s loss, White acknowledged Timpson’s athleticism and praised her for having “good instincts” on defense.
“She’s been earning more minutes. For every young player coming into the league, particularly the post position, it’s (about) learning the feel. Her ability to continue to grow, get her work in outside with Keith (Porter) and being ready when her number is called,” White said. “She’s continuing to find her way on the offensive end of the floor. She’s bouncy and gives us a different type of look.
”There’s no substitute for experience, so in some areas where opponents might take advantage, it’s just experience, and I think she’s come so far in these last four or five games. I anticipate her continued growth.”
Fever guard Caitlin Clark returned Wednesday after missing five games with a left groin injury. Clark echoed her coach and highlighted Timpson’s ability to block shots and get her hands in passing lanes. Clark believes Timpson is still navigating the Fever’s system but views the Georgia native as a valuable piece to the team.
“She’s going to be a great asset for us as we go forward here,” Clark said. “I’m just really proud of her. She comes in every single day, works as hard as she can and is a great teammate. When her number has been called, she’s really produced, so it’s really awesome to see the ways she’s playing and I know she’ll keep it up moving forward.”
Timpson said she’s “grateful” to play more but remains even-keeled about the opportunity.
“I’m living in the moment,” Timpson said. “Just keep improving day-by-day.”
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Fever rookie Makayla Timpson sees minutes increase , impact grow