Indiana Fever Coach Hints At Change In Caitlin Clark Amid WNBA Break

Christie Sides and the Indiana Fever are preparing to return to the court on Friday, following the WNBA's hiatus for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Before their matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, Sides spoke with the media and shared some thoughts on the importance of the WNBA break for rookie Caitlin Clark.

Sides mentioned that Clark needed the rest since she hadn't taken a real break from the court since beginning her senior season with the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2023.

While she stressed the importance of rest for Clark, she also explained that the rookie's work ethic veered her toward the court during her days off.

“The break for Caitlin… We gave them some great opportunities to get enough rest," Sides said." "Now, she’s also a worker. I was always having to check in and make sure she was getting the rest that she needed. That’s just her mentality, which is why she is who she is… She needed to get a break. A mental break, a physical break."

Sides explained that Clark needed a break, not just for her body to rest, but for her mind to be away from the basketball court. She believes that with the mental and physical break, fans will see a difference in the way she plays come Friday.

"A month of rest for Caitlin Clark is exactly what she needed, and I think you’ll see a difference when we come out on Friday," Sides added.

The Fever will host the Mercury at 7:30 p.m. ET, making Friday their first game back in just under one month.

With the rest under her belt, Clark will look to improve off an already impressive rookie season. She's currently averaging 17.1 points and 8.2 assists per game, leading the league in assists per game.

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