Who is Makayla Timpson? Meet Fever forward who drew Caitlin Clark's praise after win vs. Dream

The Fever are a team filled to the brim with star power. Yet, on Sunday, it was one of the team's more unheralded talents who propelled the team to a decisive win over an Eastern Conference rival.

Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston each enjoyed notable showings in Indiana's 95-91 overtime win over the Dream. No star shined as bright for the Fever as Makayla "KK" Timpson, though. The second-year forward poured in more baskets than she ever has in her professional career on one end while blighting Angel Reese and Naz Hillmon's impact on the other.

Timpson didn't receive much burn in her maiden season in the league. But as a sophomore, she has been surging. Stephanie White has taken notice in recent weeks, making it a point to include the lanky forward in the Fever's lineup.

With that, here's what you need to know about Timpson, the latest role player making waves alongside Clark, Mitchell, Boston and Co.

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Who is Makalya Timpson?

Timpson is a 23-year-old forward who has carved out a prominent role on the Fever. A two-time first-team All-ACC talent at Florida State, Timpson drew rave reviews for her defensive gifts with the Seminoles. Indiana selected her in the second round (No. 19 overall) in the 2025 draft, hoping she could make an impact coming off the bench.

Timpson played sparingly as a rookie, watching on as the Fever fell one game short of the WNBA Finals. She has seen her minutes swell in her second season, garnering praise for her length, athleticism and willingness to do the little things well.

“KK’s been huge for us,” White said earlier in the month. “She brings something that we don’t have in terms of her defensive versatility at that post position, her ability to leap out of the gym.

"The game has slowed down. She’s finding her spots. She doesn’t play outside of herself. She is a star in her role, and she’s just going to continue to get better."

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Makayla Timpson stats vs. Dream

• Minutes: 33
• Points: 20
• Rebounds: 7
• Assists: 0
• Steals: 0
• Blocks: 1
• TOs: 0
• FG: 9-13
• 3PG: 0-0 (0%)
• FT: 2-4 (50%)

Timpson's growth was on full display in Indiana's win over the Dream on Sunday. She enjoyed a career day, tallying a career-best points total to push Indiana over the finish line.

The 23-year-old powered the Fever's offense alongside Clark, Boston and Mitchell, inflicting damage on Atlanta's vaunted interior defense with a barrage of layups.

— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) August 16, 2026

Timpson was a steady presence in White's attack, regularly cutting to the rim to field passes from Clark and Co. Her baskets proved timely down the stretch, helping the Fever overturn a double-digit deficit to secure a momentous overtime win.

The fact that Timpson's career-best showing came in front of her family — Timpson is an Edison, Georgia native — made things all the more sweeter for Indiana's budding star.

— WNBA (@WNBA) August 16, 2026

Clark sang Timpson's praises postgame, crediting her with helping lead the team back after a dour second-half outing.

“KK has done everything great," Clark said. "Just really proud of her and the way she’s grown since the All-Star break. She’s been huge for us and a difference maker. Proud of you.”

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 17, 2026

The Fever are unbeaten with Timpson in the starting lineup, downing all five foes they've taken on when she takes to the floor for opening tip. With the way Timpson has been playing as of late, that run could get lengthier as the year goes on.