British Indiana Fever center Temi Fagbenle praised Caitlin Clark beyond her shooting abilities, revealing how the WNBA No. 1 pick truly impacts the team’s supporting players

British Indiana Fever center Temi Fagbenle praised Caitlin Clark’s ability to be a floor general on the court, providing a detailed analysis of what makes the WNBA’s No. 1 pick exceptional beyond her long-range shooting abilities.

During a team practice session, Fagbenle praised Clark’s court vision, basketball IQ and leadership skills. The Brit also emphasized how these qualities have contributed to Clark’s overall impact on the game in ways she may not have anticipated.

“It’s really amazing because we haven’t had many practices together,” she admitted. “But the connection was just there [instantly.] I feel like I’m getting a better sense of what she’s about and what she’s going to do. I just try and get in the right positions and make something work.”

Fagbenle, a four-year league veteran, played for the Minnesota Lynx during her first three WNBA seasons. In a trade deal, the Fever acquired the 6-foot-4 center from the Lynx, sending a second-round pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft in exchange for a first and third-round pick in the same draft, along with guard Odyssey Sims.

Since joining the Fever, Fagbenle’s performance level has significantly improved. While averaging 3.1 points per game during her time with the Lynx, she has now achieved career highs with 9.6 points per game, one block, and 5.4 rebounds per contest. She has also seen increased playing time on the court, averaging 22.6 minutes per game compared to the 9.3 minutes she received in Minnesota. This remarkable improvement highlights Fagbenle’s growth and impact since joining the Fever.

“I’ve only had a few of those kind of point guards, who just know and see the play before it’s happened,” she continued. “Regular point guards, I’m like, ‘They didn’t see it, but Caitlin saw that!”

Despite the Fever being statistically the second-to-last worst team in the WNBA, Clark has averaged 15.4 points per game, placing her at No. 19 in the league. After losing their first five games of the season, Indiana secured their first win with a 78-73 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.

Although Clark struggled from the field and beyond the 3-point arc, shooting 2-10 from distance and providing 11 points, her presence on the court uplifted her teammates. Displaying hustle and determination, Clark grabbed ten rebounds and dished out eight assists, just two assists shy of a triple-double. Fagbenle was utilized in the offensive action with Clark, contributing 17 points, the same as Aliyah Boston.

Both fell short of Kelsey Mitchell’s 18 points, which led all scorers in the game. Clark and Fagbenle’s combined efforts and playmaking teammates propelled the Fever to their first-season victory. The following day, the Fever suffered a 99-80 defeat against the back-to-back reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces.

Clark again faced offensive struggles, scoring just eight points, while Fagbenle continued her strong performance with 13 points. Looking ahead, Indiana will have an opportunity to redeem themselves in a rematch against the Sparks, scheduled for May 29 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

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Source: The Wall Street Journal