Indiana’s Catchings finally named WNBA MVP

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) ― One down, one to go for Tamika Catchings.

The Indiana Fever forward had two things missing from her impressive resume ― a WNBA title and the most valuable player award.

Now, just one empty space remains. She finally won the MVP award after being runner-up in 2003, 2009 and 2010.

She averaged 15.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.0 steals this season as Indiana finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference, giving the Fever homecourt advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

While Catchings always has been focused on winning the championship, her supporters feel it’s about time she was recognized for her individual skills.

“I feel like this is 10 years in the making,” Fever COO and General Manager Kelly Krauskopf said.

“There have been some years I’ve scratched my head and wondered how she didn’t get the MVP. It’s great to take a moment to recognize her contributions to our franchise and our city.”

Her teammates, her coach and even Pacers president Larry Bird campaigned for her, though she never got caught up in it.

“I think everything is God’s timing,” Catchings said. “Everything happens at a perfect time and a perfect place.”

Catchings had 21 of 40 first-place votes for 292 points, followed by Connecticut’s Tina Charles (209) and Chicago’s Sylvia Fowles (148). Seattle’s Sue Bird (106) and Minnesota’s Lindsay Whalen (104) followed in the voting.