Caitlin Clark rookie season with the Indiana Fever has been up and down thus far as she has faced significant criticism on social media.
Despite some fans have labeling her as “not ready” or “overrated,” Clark has managed to focus on her game and deliver some outstanding performances.
She leads all rookies in scoring and showcases her all-around abilities with notable contributions in rebounding and playmaking.
Through the first seven games of the season, Clark is averaging 15.4 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game.
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The Fever have struggled with a 1-6 record so far, but there are signs of improvement and growing cohesion within the team.
Clark’s performance has been a bright spot, providing hope for the franchise’s future.
Temi Fagbenle, the starting center for Indiana, recently shared her thoughts on playing alongside Clark, praising her skill set and the positive impact she has had on the court.
Fagbenle’s endorsement highlights Clark’s talent and potential to become a significant player in the league, despite the early challenges and scrutiny she faces.
Temi Fagbenle on the full-court pass connection with Caitlin Clark: “I’ve only had a few of those kind of point guards, who just know, sees the play before it’s happened… regular point guards I’m like they didn’t see it… but Caitlin saw that!”
Temi Fagbenle, a seasoned four-year WNBA veteran, began her career with the Minnesota Lynx, where she played for three seasons.
The Indiana Fever acquired the 6-foot-4 center from the Lynx in a trade that involved a second-round pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft being exchanged for a first and third-round pick in the same draft, along with guard Odyssey Sims.
Since joining the Fever, Fagbenle’s performance has significantly improved.
During her tenure with the Lynx, she averaged 3.1 points per game. Now, with Indiana, she has achieved career highs, averaging 9.6 points per game, one block, and 5.4 rebounds per contest.
Additionally, Fagbenle’s playing time has increased substantially, with her averaging 22.6 minutes per game compared to the 9.3 minutes she received in Minnesota.
This remarkable improvement underscores Fagbenle’s growth and the substantial impact she has had on the Fever.
Her enhanced performance has not only bolstered the team’s frontcourt but also provided invaluable support and mentorship to rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.
Fagbenle’s presence on the court and her veteran experience have been crucial for the Fever as they strive to build momentum and improve their standing in the league.