Temi

Fágbénlé

Fágbénlé established a new season-high in scoring on Saturday, and she was also an effective rebounder. While the 6-foot-4 was not as impactful defensively as she was in Monday’s win over the Sparks (four steals and four blocked shots), Temi entered Saturday averaging 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game. Rostered in just over 64 percent of ESPN leagues, Fágbénlé will be worth a look for managers needing frontcourt production, especially with the Valkyries scheduled to play three games next week.

With the Sparks guarding the perimeter to begin, the inside pick and roll at the rim was open for the Valkyries and Veronica Burton found Fágbénlé multiple times. Fágbénlé pulled down four offensive rebounds in addition to going to the line three separate times in the third quarter. Like Kayla Thornton, Fágbénlé thrived creating more opportunities for her team on effort plays. When she slipped to the basket, she made sure to activate her first quick step in order to put pressure on defenses. Fágbénlé was protecting the rim at a high level, blocking four different Sparks players (Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson and Azurá Stevens) in the process.

Salaün propelled the Valkyries in an overtime back-and-fourth game against their in-state rivals. Her step-back three in conjunction with her high release point makes her difficult to guard. While Salaün scored 17 of her total 21 points in the first three quarters, she made hustle plays vital to the Valkyries winning the game in both the fourth quarter and overtime period. She drew a foul with 47.5 seconds left in regulation and made both of her free throws to give Golden State their first lead since six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Later in the overtime period, Salaün scored on an offensive rebound putback off a long three-point miss from Temi Fágbénlé, which put Golden State up by three points with 2:03 remaining in overtime.

After corralling no more than seven rebounds in any of her first six appearances this season, Fágbénlé finished Thursday’s defeat with her first double-double of the season and second of her career. Left unprotected by the Fever in December’s expansion draft, she has been a valuable pickup for the Valkyries. Fágbénlé’s 33 fantasy points on Thursday were a season-high, as were her two blocked shots. While Temi is not a must-add player since Golden State only plays once more this week, she’s worth keeping an eye on, especially as some teams lose players due to the upcoming FIBA Women’s EuroBasket tournament.

Fágbénlé has gotten off to a good start this season, reaching double figures in two of Golden State’s first four games. She did not miss a shot from the field on Tuesday, with the point total being four shy of her season-high. Fágbénlé’s status as a starter is secure, and she’s worth a look for managers needing frontcourt production. The Valkyries will face the Liberty again on Thursday night.

Plum began the game shooting efficiently off of looks she got cutting to the basket or picking the pockets of opponents and scoring at the other end. But in the final three quarters, the Valkyries perimeter defense, primarily Veronica Burton did an exceptional job of keeping in front of Plum and contesting her shots. When Plum drove through the lane, her penetration was met with rim protection from Kayla Thornton, Temi Fágbénlé and Janelle Salaün.

Billings has officially been downgraded to out ahead of the Valkyries’ Friday-night matchup in Los Angeles. The veteran guard was originally listed as questionable after injuring her ankle in a win over the Mystics on Wednesday. She’ll miss the rematch with the Sparks, leaving opportunities for starting frontcourt players Kayla Thornton and Temi Fágbénlé to see more opportunities. Billings is averaging 7.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 23.4 minutes per game.

Zandalasini will miss a second consecutive game with an injured right foot, and the Valkyries have not provided a specific timeline for return. Kayla Thornton and Temi Fágbénlé started Friday’s season opener, and that will remain the case against the Mystics. The good news for Golden State is that Stephanie Talbot (quad) may return after not playing in the opener. She’s considered questionable for Wednesday’s game.

After averaging nearly 19 minutes per game as a reserve with the Fever last season, Fágbénlé played 31 as a starter in her Valkyries’ debut on Friday. The final stat line was solid, and the veteran center is well-positioned to figure prominently in Golden State’s rotation. While Fágbénlé may not be a player targeted in six-team leagues, managers competing in larger leagues should have her on their radar.