Caitlin Clark Praises Makayla Timpson’s Career-High Performance in Win: “Proud of You”

Caitlin Clark has watched Makayla Timpson grow from a bench-warmer to become an important piece of their current run to the playoffs.

Caitlin Clark Praises Makayla Timpson’s Career-High Performance in Win: “Proud of You”

Makayla Timpson and Caitlin Clark (Image via Indiana Fever/Hank/X)

The current WNBA campaign is the third season of Caitlin Clark playing for the Indiana Fever. This time, the franchise decided to keep its core, which includes Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, Sophie Cunningham, and Makayla Timpson, intact.

By keeping them on for another year, the organization was assured that, at least among the majority, the chemistry would remain intact. That would also speed up the integration of the fresh faces in the building.

As expected, that tactic worked, and the Fever have won 12 of their previous 16 games. With that, they inch closer to challenging the Golden State Valkyries and the Las Vegas Aces for second spot in the standings.

That last win came against the Atlanta Dream. Before that contest, the Fever were half a game behind them and knew that heading into a packed State Farm Arena was going to make it difficult for Clark and her teammates.

Despite that, and surrendering a lead until the third quarter, the Fever rallied in the fourth quarter and, aided by a few crucial misses from Angel Reese, used overtime to win this battle against the Dream.

Amongst the notable performances was that of Makayla Timpson. The second-year forward posted a career-high 20 points, while grabbing seven rebounds and one block. Such an effort drew praise from her illustrious teammate:

KK has done everything great… I’m just really proud of her and the way she’s grown since the All-Star break. She’s been huge for us and a difference maker. Proud of you.

Caitlin Clark told Holly Rowe

Caitlin Clark has always been supportive of the forward, and this praise was just another way of motivating Timpson to continue on her trajectory after breaking into the starting lineup.

RELATED
WNBA on ION Omitting Caitlin Clark From Pre-Game Banner Despite Paige Bueckers’ Presence Angers Fans – “Like Choosing Luc Longley Instead of Jordan”

Stephanie White details how Makayla Timpson is thriving at the right moment

Caitlin Clark knew exactly how far Makayla Timpson came this season. This surge, at this stage of the season, did not come out of the blue. In fact, Stephanie White has been preparing her for these runs.

This was Makayla Timpson's 5th career start
This was Makayla Timpson’s 5th career start (Image via Underdog WNBA/X)

It’s huge. She has been a star in her role. She’s continued to earn the opportunities that she’s gotten. She does not play outside of herself. When you have a Big 3 like we have, having those types of players around them is really important.

Stephanie White replied

This was her response when Andrew Giuntini-Haubner asked the head coach how the Florida State alum came about to get such an important role at this stage of the season.

The answer is also a clear indication that the Georgia native was generally considered a bench player. But when the going gets tough, this late in the season, she was asked to do certain things.

Once she started to nail her role properly, it led to more chances. With the playoffs fast approaching, the 23-year-old is peaking at the right time. Not only has she snatched starter Monique Billings‘ spot, but she is also thriving in it.

RELATED
Podcaster Fueling Caitlin Clark-Kelsey Mitchell MVP Rift Gets Sharp Response From Jason Whitlock

Caitlin Clark’s high IQ play sealed the win

Caitlin Clark and her Indiana Fever did not take their foot off the gas pedal in the latter stages of the game. Once she got over her infamous choke against the Aces and converted both her free throws, the Atlanta Dream still had time to execute some scoring plays.

The away team knew that Allisha Gray, who ended the night with a superlative 32-point performance, was not someone they would guard lightly. That is why Clark came over to help Kelsey Mitchell close down the All-Star.

But that left Isobel Borlase open, and Gray sent the ball out to her. However, the Australian’s three-point shot hit the front of the rim and bounced out. It came straight towards the Iowa native, who almost lost the ball.

But she regained control, took two dribbles up the floor, and launched the ball towards the opposite basket. It was not a shot attempt. Rather, she floated the ball high enough for it to bounce off the floor and onto the Dream’s backboard.

By then, the clock ran out. Had she held on to the ball, the home team could have fouled her and forced an additional possession. But because Caitlin Clark intentionally threw the ball in that manner, it was enough to drain the clock and seal the win. She even pointed to her head to show how intelligent that play was.

Also Read: