Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever Face Major Setback as Temi Fagbenle Suffers Third Injury of the Season
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are dealing with a significant challenge just as they prepare for their first playoff appearance in eight years. Veteran forward Temi Fagbenle has been sidelined with a right shoulder injury, her third major injury this season. While the team has yet to release an official timeline for her recovery, Fagbenle is listed as questionable for the Fever’s upcoming game against the LA Sparks on Wednesday.
The news of Fagbenle’s injury was first reported by Chloe Peterson of IndyStar Sports, who took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to update fans on the situation. “Temi Fagbenle seems to have suffered a third injury this season, as she is questionable for tomorrow’s game with a right shoulder injury. A tough setback for Fagbenle, who has missed significant time already with foot and thumb injuries this season,” Peterson wrote.
Temi Fagbenle seems to have suffered a third injury this season, as she is questionable for tomorrow’s game with a right shoulder injury.
A tough setback for Fagbenle, who has missed significant time already with a foot and thumb injury.
— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) September 3, 2024
Fagbenle, 31, has been limited to just 16 games this season due to her recurring injuries. However, when healthy, she has been a reliable contributor off the bench, averaging 6.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 19 minutes per game. Her absence is a significant blow to the Fever, who have been on a strong run since the Olympic break, going 6-1 and climbing to the sixth spot in the playoff standings.
The Fever are entering a critical stretch with six of their final seven regular-season games at home, starting with their matchup against the Sparks. Their final game of the season will be on the road against the Washington Mystics on September 19.
Despite her limited time on the court, Fagbenle has been vocal about her appreciation for what rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has brought to the team. Earlier in the season, Fagbenle praised Clark’s playmaking abilities, saying, “She’s a great passer, and she’s always going to pass it when I’m open. It’s really amazing because we haven’t had many practices together… I’ve only had a few of those kinds of point guards who just know, see the play before it’s happened.”
Temi Fagbenle talks about the on-court connection she has developed with Caitlin Clark:
"We just figured it out… She's a smart player, i'm a smart player… I'm always sprinting the floor and she's a great passer… It's really amazing because we haven't had many practices… pic.twitter.com/tT7CIftSmN
— Vanshay Murdock 🎥🎥 (@VanshayM) May 27, 2024
Fagbenle and Clark have only shared the court 16 times this season due to the veteran’s injury struggles, but their chemistry has been evident. Meanwhile, Clark has been outstanding in her debut season, averaging 18.7 points, a league-high 8.4 assists, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game, helping the Fever make a strong push towards the playoffs.
As the Fever approach the playoffs, they will need to find a way to maintain their momentum without one of their key players. The team’s resilience will be tested as they navigate this latest setback and strive to make a deep playoff run.
