Fever had ‘a spark’ from Temi Fagbenle prior to her accident. Back and ready to provide even more.

INDIANAPOLIS: Temi Fagbenle, a forward for the Indiana Fever, has experience winning championships both domestically and abroad.

Alongside Lynx veterans Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles, she earned a title in her inaugural season after being drafted to Minnesota in 2017. For personal reasons, she departed the WNBA in 2019 but continued to play basketball in her native Great Britain. In 2023–24, she won the British Basketball League MVP award and guided the London Lions to the EuroCup victory.

The Fever procured negotiating rights with Fagbenle in a 2021 trade with the Lynx. After three years, Fagbenle decided to return to the WNBA. And her experience is exactly what the Fever have needed. The 31-year-old is the only player on the roster with a WNBA ring.

Further: Why Magic Johnson’s feud with Larry Bird is reminiscent of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese

Nancy Armour: The WNBA’s rivalry between Fever and Sky is a gift that never ends.

Christie Sides, the coach, praised the senior player. “She’s been playing this game for a while; in Minnesota, she had a terrific time with Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles. She is now sharing with us the lessons she gained from those guys, which is exactly what we need.”

Early in the season, Fagbenle established herself; after just seven games, her defensive prowess allowed her to replace NaLyssa Smith at the 4 position on the squad.

She was playing through a left foot injury sustained on May 28 against the Sparks, averaging 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 56.9% from the field. Sides claimed that due of her adrenaline at the time, Fagbenle didn’t experience any discomfort from the injury until the game was ended.

For Fagbenle, it shut down the progress she was making back in the WNBA.

“Ah, I was in a great stride; the good old days,” Fagbenle joked.

Her original diagnosis was 2-3 week before she was to be reevaluated, and she started formally practicing with the Fever again on Tuesday — nearly a month after her injury.

Early in the season, Fagbenle established herself; after just seven games, her defensive prowess allowed her to replace NaLyssa Smith at the 4 position on the squad.

She was playing through a left foot injury sustained on May 28 against the Sparks, averaging 9.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 56.9% from the field. Sides claimed that due of her adrenaline at the time, Fagbenle didn’t experience any discomfort from the injury until the game was ended.

Sides remarked, “She’s just a spark on both ends.” “She just keeps going, playing the entire possession, and she always manages to get her hands on the ball. She’s a terrific screener for us since she rolls quickly, giving enough of room for everyone. She simply adds a different dynamic, so having her back is beneficial.”

Resuming practice was simple, according to Fagbenle, particularly for someone who advocates for open dialogue and teamwork on the court.

“It’s good to be back, even at practice today it was seamless,” Fagbenle said. “Talking, being loud, being a good teammate is going to be seamless wherever you are, wherever you go, unless you have teammates that are not receiving it. And thankfully my teammates receive it, so it’s been a seamless transition.”

Even when she was out, Fagbenle was a cherished presence on the bench. As a veteran, Fagbenle preaches the little things: eye contact, talking, hustle and general communication.

She essentially became an extra coach for the Fever for the past 11 games, including their four-game win streak. She’s also been the cheerleader for the Fever through their tough stretches, including their third loss to Connecticut on June 10 and the loss to the Sky on Sunday that broke that win streak.

“I see things my teammates might not see when they’re on the floor, so I can help them in that way and tell them what I see on the court from my point of view,” Fagbenle said. “And I keep the energy high, as much as possible, keep it positive.”