Rookie’s Moment: Makayla Timpson Steps Up for Injury-Hit Fever in Crucial Playoff Clash..
In a twist that could swing the Indiana Fever’s playoff fate, rookie forward Makayla Timpson is set to make her first start of the 2025 WNBA season tonight against the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena. The news comes just hours after veteran Natasha Howard suffered a lower leg injury during Thursday’s practice, forcing her to sit out Game 3 of this do-or-die 3rd Game playoffs
With the Fever facing elimination after splitting the first two games—dropping Game 1 80-68 before bouncing back with a 78-60 rout in Game 2 playoffs —coach Stephanie White has no choice but to lean on the 6-foot-2 Timpson, the 19th overall pick from Florida State. “Makayla’s been our quiet storm all season,” White said in a pre-game presser. “She’s earned this shot by staying ready, and tonight, we need her fire in the paint.”
Timpson, who has carved out a bench role with gritty defense and timely scoring—peaking at 14 points against Chicago in July—has averaged 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds in limited minutes. Her athleticism and rebounding prowess could counter Atlanta’s towering frontcourt of Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner, especially with Indiana already thin after five season-ending injuries and Damiris Dantas in concussion protocol.
Howard’s absence is a blow; the 33-year-old All-Star contributed 12 points and five boards in Game 2 before the practice mishap. X-rays were negative, but swelling will sideline her for at least a week, per team reports. “Natasha’s our rock,” said Aliyah Boston, who’s shouldered 15 points and double-digit rebounds per game. “But this is Makayla’s team now—we rally around her.”
The Dream, riding high after their Game 1 grit led by Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray’s 20 points apiece, smell blood. Yet, Indiana’s stars like Kelsey Mitchell (19 points in Game 2) and Boston vow to protect their rookie. Tip-off is 7:30 p.m. ET, broadcast on ESPN. For Timpson, this isn’t just a start—it’s a statement in the playoffs’ pressure cooker.
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