The Golden State Valkyries failed to win their first-ever game, but that did not stop Temi Fagbenle from shining. The 6’4 center was selected in the expansion draft after the Fever left her unprotected. She was a reserve in 2024 but is starting and making an immediate impact in the Bay Area.
It was a special night even if the game went the Sparks way. Kelsey Plum had 37 points in her first game with LA, but that did not stop Valkyries fans from seeing the positives in the opener. Fagbenle was one of them with 15 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 31 minutes of action. She was six of eight from the field and made two 3-pointers in her Valkyries debut.
It was not just Fagbenle. Tiffany Hayes led the way with 19 points and Julie Vanloo offered a spark off the bench. The Fever were instantly regretting watching her rim run and make an impact for the W’s newest franchise.
Temi Fagbenle was dumped by the Fever
The 32-year-old went to Indiana in 2024 after four years of not playing in the WNBA. She saw an opportunity to play with Caitlin Clark and feast off easy buckets. Nobody expected Clark to immediately be one of the best players in the W, but Fagbenle benefitted. She even started their final playoff game against the Sun where the center finished with nine points, nine rebounds, three dimes, and one steal in 35.4 minutes of action.
The impressive showing made it even more puzzling that Indiana left her unprotected in the expansion draft, but the Valkyries were more than happy to scoop her up. It was shocking and there was even more regret after her first game with Golden State.
Fagbenle showed off her skill set in the franchise’s first game. She was making plays from the five, running the floor, and converting easy buckets. That is the perfect skill set next to Caitlin Clark, but the Fever gave her up. Indiana wanted veterans with championship experience, and Golden State is already benefitting.
Temi Fagbenle is locked in as the Valkyries' starting center. Expect her to keep making an impact on both ends of the floor as this team improves. Her size and athletic ability are unique. Expect Temi to quickly become a fan favorite and keep making plays for Golden State.
The Golden State Valkyries are just getting started. The expansion franchise has only been together for a few weeks, so the best is certainly yet to come. There is already excitement. Fans will soon be enjoying things even more so stay tuned.