What happened to Temi Fagbenle? Valkyries suffer crushing blow moments before do-or-die Game 2 against Lynx

Golden State Valkyries star Temi Fagbenle was ruled out of the team’s do-or-die Game 2 against the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday. The announcement came moments before tipoff as the former Indiana Fever center reported pain in her right knee. The veteran is expected to be reevaluated at a later date.

With Fagbenle sidelined, Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase inserted Iliana Rupert into the starting lineup for the franchise’s first home playoff game. Rupert logged 16:31 minutes off the bench in Game 1 but failed to score, going 0-for-2 from the field, including 0-for-2 from beyond the arc. She added three rebounds, one assist and one block.

Terrika

@SheKnowsSports

NEWS: Golden State Valkyries center Temi Fágbénlé has been ruled out ahead of tonight’s game against the Minnesota Lynx due to right knee pain. She will be evaluated at a further date. #WNBAPlayoffs

As for Temi Fagbenle, the 6-foot-4 center started in Game 1 and played 20 minutes. She finished with 12 points, three rebounds and three assists while shooting 5-for-8 from the floor and 0-for-1 from deep.

Valkyries and Temi Fagbenle's season ends in agony

The Golden State Valkyries suffered a heartbreaking 75-74 defeat in Game 2 against the Minnesota Lynx. The defeat brought their inaugural WNBA season to an agonizing end as they were eliminated from the playoffs.

Golden State appeared poised to force a decisive Game 3, entering the fourth quarter with a commanding 14-point lead on Wednesday. However, the Lynx’s experience and composure proved too much for the young Valkyries, who faltered under pressure in the final stretch.

As Minnesota tightened its defense in the fourth quarter, the Valkyries’ offense went cold. Meanwhile, Golden State’s defense collapsed, conceding 26 points in the period, sealing its elimination. With the Valkyries’ season ending, Temi Fagbenle’s campaign also came to a close.

An update on her injury status is expected soon. In her debut season with Golden State, Fagbenle averaged 7.4 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting an efficient 50.2% from the field across 39 regular-season appearances.