The Indiana Fever's season has been a rollercoaster, filled with both excitement and frustration. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been elusive. One particular aspect of the Fever's performance has recently sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts: the playing time of rookie Makayla Timpson.
Timpson, the 19th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, has seen limited action in her first year, averaging just 3.3 minutes per game across nine appearances. However, a closer look at the team's performance when Timpson receives more substantial playing time reveals a compelling narrative. The Fever are reportedly undefeated when Timpson plays 10 or more minutes. This statistic, which has gained traction on social media, has fueled calls for coach Stephanie White to increase Timpson's role.
While Timpson's raw stats (0.8 points and a slowly trending upward number of minutes per game) might not immediately jump off the page, her impact extends beyond the box score. She has made contributions in the paint alongside Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard, adding depth to the team. She is also consistently mentioned by her teammates and coach as someone with a desire to improve and learn, and who listens to her teammates to be more aggressive. Her teammates have noticed, as Timpson has received praise from them, including Aliyah Boston, Natasha Howard, Kelsey Mitchell, and Caitlin Clark.
The argument for increased playing time for Timpson isn't solely based on anecdotal observations or a single statistic. It's about exploring potential lineup combinations and maximizing the team's overall effectiveness. It is also about player development and seeing if Timpson can be a key role player in the future. With Caitlin Clark sidelined with a groin injury, the Fever have had to rely on other players to step up. While the team has managed to secure impressive wins against the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces even without Clark, it's crucial to identify and develop players who can contribute consistently.
Coach White has acknowledged Timpson's progress and the importance of her long-term health and wellness. However, she also seems hesitant to give Timpson extended minutes if it means imposing minutes restrictions, as Clark also dislikes them. The coach has stated that she prioritizes the long-term health of her players and wants to make sure they are 100% before they come back.
Ultimately, the decision of how much to play Timpson rests with Coach White. She must weigh the potential benefits of increased playing time against the need to maintain team chemistry and ensure Timpson is physically and mentally prepared for a larger role. However, the groundswell of support for Timpson, fueled by those insane stats surfacing on social media, suggests that the rookie has earned the opportunity to prove herself on the court.
