It’s difficult to succeed as a rookie in the WNBA. Going from training camp to the final 11 or 12-man roster is a baptism of fire. In fact, the Indiana Fever’s Makayla Timpson, the 19th pick in the draft, was the only one to make it out of the team’s three rookies. The 6’2 forward had a connection with point guard Caitlin Clark, which helped her get there and ultimately impress the team.
“She’s a great player, and just seeing her grow and seeing us grow together as teammates, making each other better, pushing each other, it’s going to be awesome,” Timpson said in an interview with Mario Caccianiga from Around the Game“I love her, the way she fights, the things she’s able to control and doesn’t show. She’s just a strong, strong, strong-minded player. I hope we can continue to play with each other.”
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Like many rookies, Timpson played a limited number of minutes as a rookie. With 7.1 minutes per game, she averaged 2.6 points, 0.3 blocks and 1.8 rebounds. But his talents were still evident. Size and athleticism will come in handy for Clark and Co as it was the only thing they lacked in 2025. While Timpson was still undercooked, her experience in the WNBA, reigning European champions USK Praha, and Unrivaled will toughen the rookie. Hopefully, Clark will return to his best after his injury struggled to help him translate his game onto the court.
“I couldn’t imagine going through the things she’s going through, but she stays strong,” Timpson said. “She came to the W. She had a great year and was able to make the W what it is now.”
August 31, 2025; San Francisco, California, United States; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks on the court before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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As the most popular WNBA athlete, Caitlin Clark has more spotlight than any other player. It also draws criticism, especially during an injury-prone season. “Obviously I love playing basketball, but it can be stressful to have so many eyes on you all the time, and during the season you’re just going from game to game,” Clark said.
Despite all the difficulties, Clark triumphed. More importantly, she came back in great shape and participated in the Team USA camp in December, showing her anticipation for the upcoming WNBA season. Clark, Boston and Timpson are the only three players under contract for the Fever. They are the foundation of what the Indiana Fever wants to build.
How Makayla Timpson can unblock Caitlin Clark
Makayla Timpson already shocked the WNBA world with this monster block against the Los Angeles Sparks. Rickea Jackson drove to the rim and Timpson came out of nowhere to stand up and reject her layup. His defensive ability and shot blocking will be an asset to the Indiana Fever team. However, Clark and Timpson’s relationship is also something to look forward to.
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During the preseason itself, Timpson had a moment that made Indiana Fever fans dream. In practice tape released by the team, Clark placed one of his trademark passes to Timpson. The big forward used his full 6′ 10 wingspan. Although this combination didn’t see the game due to Clark’s repeated injuries, it’s still something fans and Timpson herself hope to flourish.
“She’s going to be a great asset to us as we move forward here. I’m really, really proud of her. She comes in every day, works as hard as she can and is a great teammate,” Clark said. “When her number was called, she really produced, so it’s really awesome to see the way she’s playing, and I know she’ll continue to do so.”
These exaggerated transition passes, made by Clark, could become more frequent with Timpson as the head of the snake. Aliyah Boston has found her creativity in 2025. And she can move into a more combo forward position with Timpson manning the zone around the rim. Lexie Hull, who is expected to return, adds perimeter defense. With this core, Stephanie White has several tools to work with before even getting her entire team in order. Clark is the star, Boston is the anchor and Timpson could quickly become the glue no one saw coming.
The position Caitlin Clark’s Fever Teammate Reveals the Locker Room Reality Behind Her WNBA Stardom appeared first on EssentiallySport.
