Fever Fans Left Wondering: Caitlin Clark’s Heartfelt Message to $90,000 Ex-Teammate Sparks Debate! Should the Fever have retained Temi Fagbenle over DeWanna Bonner?

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Caitlin Clark’s Return Spoiled as Fever Fall to Valkyries — Fans Rue Letting Fagbenle Go

Caitlin Clark’s much-anticipated return to the court was supposed to spark a turnaround for the Indiana Fever. Instead, it became a night of mixed emotions and what-ifs, as the Fever suffered a crushing 81-60 defeat at home to the WNBA’s newest sensation, the Golden State Valkyries.

Before tip-off, Clark shared a heartfelt moment with former teammate Temi Fagbenle — a reunion that was captured on video by a fan and quickly went viral. The two exchanged smiles and hugs, a reminder of the chemistry they once shared in Indiana.

Valkyries officially sign Caitlin Clark's ex-Fever teammate

But while Clark’s comeback was the headline, it was Fagbenle who stole the show. After being left unprotected by the Fever in the expansion draft, Fagbenle has found new life with the Valkyries. Signed to a team-friendly $90,000 deal, she’s started 12 of 13 games and is putting up career-best numbers: 8.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on a sizzling 52.7% shooting.

The Fever’s gamble to let Fagbenle walk was part of a bigger plan to bring in former champion DeWanna Bonner to shore up their frontcourt. But the move backfired. Bonner struggled, lost her starting spot, and after just nine games, was waived. She quickly found a new home with the Phoenix Mercury, reuniting with her fiancée, Alyssa Thomas.

Caitlin Clark is NOT HAPPY That Temi Fagbenle is Leaving the Fever... - YouTube

Meanwhile, Indiana fans watched in frustration as Fagbenle thrived in Golden State’s system.

On the court, Clark was held in check by the Valkyries’ relentless defense, scoring just 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting. The Fever as a whole managed only 30.9% from the field, with Kelsey Mitchell (12 points) and Mikayla Timpson (10 points) the only other players in double figures.

The Valkyries, meanwhile, showcased their depth and cohesion. All-Star Kayla Thornton chipped in 18 points, while Veronica Burton led all scorers with 21.

Người chơi thể thao New York có sự jab tinh tế tại Caitlin Clark trong bối

As the final buzzer sounded, the story wasn’t just about another Fever loss — it was about missed opportunities and the one that got away. On social media, Fever fans voiced their regret, wishing the front office had kept faith in Fagbenle instead of chasing the ill-fated Bonner experiment.

For Caitlin Clark and the Fever, the road ahead looks challenging. But for Temi Fagbenle and the Valkyries, the future is golden.