Featured games of the Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever resumed practice after a week-long break for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following the Fever’s practice on Wednesday, Clark was seen in discussion with head coach Christie Sides on the sideline.

While the details of their conversation remain unclear, WNBA fans took to social media to speculate, with many criticizing Sides’ coaching abilities.

One fan joked, “Coach Sides telling Caitlin, ‘Listen, don’t ever listen to me, I don’t know what I’m doing.’”

Another added, “Please get the Fever a real coach.”

A third comment read, “Sides saying, ‘Listen Caitlin, whatever I call during the game, don’t listen to me. You have better judgment than I do.’”

Sides has been under fire all season, with many fans questioning how she utilizes Clark.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the huddle with forward Katie Lou Samuelson (33), center Temi Fagbenle (14) and forward Aliyah Boston (7) against the Phoenix Mercury during a WNBA game at Footprint Center. © Mark J. Rebilas–USA TODAY Sports

 

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) in the huddle with forward Katie Lou Samuelson (33), center Temi Fagbenle (14) and forward Aliyah Boston (7) against the Phoenix Mercury during a WNBA game at Footprint Center.

The rookie guard has had a promising debut season, but has faced challenges with efficiency and has a notably high turnover rate for a point guard.

Currently, she is averaging 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game, leading the Fever in both statistics. However, her shooting has been inconsistent, with a 32.7% success rate from beyond the arc and 40.5% from the field. Additionally, she leads the league with an average of 5.6 turnovers per game.

Clark has struggled to replicate the fluid offense she thrived in during her college days with the Iowa Hawkeyes. Most of coach Sides’ offensive schemes involve a high ball screen that opponents are quick to hedge, and a baseline scramble that has not proven effective.