INDIANAPOLIS — Makayla Timpson watched her father, Eric, work as a mail carrier six days a week and pastor a church on Sunday as she grew up in Edison, Georgia. Her father’s work ethic and discipline to steward a congregation exposed the Indiana Fever forward to what leadership and diligence looked like.
“He and my mom were dedicated and made sacrifices for me to be where I am today,” Timpson told IndyStar. “We didn’t have it that easy, so we had to work hard.”
The Fever are now reaping the fruit of Timpson’s small-town roots. Though Timpson’s minutes fluctuate, her diligence and leadership qualities are constantly displayed.
Timpson averaged 2.6 points in 7.1 minutes per game during the regular season. She scored zero points in two minutes of action in the Fever’s Game 1 80-68 loss to the Atlanta Dream on Sunday. Timpson scored nine points in as many minutes on Tuesday and went 3-for-3 from the floor in the Fever’s 77-60 victory over the Dream in Game 2 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Fever coach Stephanie White applauded Timpson in her postgame locker room speech.
”KK way to be ready,” White said, to which Fever players clapped in response.
Earlier this season, Timpson said she prioritizes the “little things” such as rebounding, playing hard and running the floor. White revealed the rookie stayed after practices throughout the season for extra workouts.
“It doesn’t matter if she played two minutes or three minutes; she’s going to be ready no matter what, and she’s a good teammate,” said Natasha Howard, Timpson’s mentor. “She uplifts other players. Even though she’s not getting the minutes she wants, she’s still being that cheerleader on the sideline.”
Timpson said Edison is “so small we only have stop signs.” The town’s population of 1,157 people allowed Timpson to learn how to connect with others and become family oriented. As a result, Timpson wants to be a player teammates depend on for advice in times of need.
“I want to be able to encourage them when they’re out there on the court, and that makes me happy when I see them doing great,” Timpson said.
Indiana lost five players to season-ending injuries this year, including Caitlin Clark (groin), Sydney Colson (ACL), Aari McDonald (foot), Sophie Cunningham (MCL) and Chloe Bibby (knee). The Fever have leaned on guard Kelsey Mitchell to guide them through the turbulent season. Mitchell became the first player in franchise history to average 20 or more points per game and was named to the Associated Press’ All-WNBA First Team.
On nights when the responsibility became cumbersome, Timpson was there letting Mitchell know, “I’m proud of her.”
“She’s poured into me when I need it most,” Mitchell said. “And I think it just goes to show who KK is as a player and a person.”
Timpson learned of Mitchell’s remarks for the first time Tuesday before tipoff. She beamed from ear to ear. The 22-year-old rookie from a small town in Georgia has gained the respect of her teammates. Fever fans have also come to appreciate Timpson.
Toward the end of Indiana’s Sept. 9 game versus the Minnesota Lynx, Fever fans started chanting “KK,” imploring White to check Timpson into the game. White acquiesced. Gainbridge erupted.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” Timpson said. “I love the fans and just want to keep going with this organization.”
When Timpson exits Gainbridge and 17,000 people are no longer shouting her name, Timpson knows Edison and her parents are chanting from afar.
“It keeps me going every day knowing that I make them proud and they’re watching me. I’m here in the W, and that’s a dream come true to make my family proud and to have people that support me,“ Timpson said. “God can take you places and works all things for whoever believes. He gave me the gift of basketball, and I’m just here trying to do what he wants me to do.”
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Fever went crazy for teammate who ‘uplifts other players.’ This stop-sign town made big impact on Indy
Reporting by Joshua Heron, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
