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Fever Coach Christie Sides Draws Intense Backlash After Caitlin Clark, Indiana Statement
By Paolo Songco,
1 day ago
While there are still Indiana Fever fans out there who have faith in head coach Christie Sides' ability to lead this team, there are also more than a few supporters out there who no longer believe that she is the right woman for the job.
Sides has been constantly criticized throughout the season, particularly with how she has handled Caitlin Clark's landscape-shifting arrival in the WNBA. Generally, Sides' critics are adamant that the Fever should be in a much better position than they are at the moment now that they have Clark leading the charge.
In a recent statement, Sides revealed her goals for Indiana this season, stating that getting into the playoffs is the team's primary objective.
"Making the playoffs is our goal," she said. "We're sitting in a playoff position right now ... We want to be a playoff team this year."
As of the moment, the Fever are sitting on an 11-15 record and are seventh in the WNBA. The top eight teams in the league at the end of the regular season qualify for the playoffs.
Indiana is currently 2.5 games behind the sixth-placed Phoenix Mercury. The Fever hold a slight advantage over Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, who have a 10-14 record for the No. 8 seed.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky look on during their game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 16, 2024.
Emilee Chinn &sol Getty Images
For the most part, Fever fans did not take Reeves' recent statement well. The general belief is that the bar has been set too low, and that this is further proof of Sides' below-par standards.
"Making the playoffs is not a good goal. Top 4 should be with the talent on this team. Making the playoffs when majority of the league make it is not a good goal," said a fan.
"My sights set higher then that…we already there and have so much room to grow…playoff wins is the sight," read a comment.
"If we fall out of the playoffs everyone is getting fired. The Goal should be to hold the 7 or move up to the 6!" stated another.
"Just remember this, fans: for every day that Christie Sides is not fired, that's LESS time for the new coach (that they'll inevitably eventually get) to instill their system, beliefs, etc.
"And I say fans, because obviously the team ownership is absolutely incompetent, and is pointless to plead with them. Only fans can make a difference. If you Indiana folks could please grow a set and start booing sides or start up a chant during games, etc. Gotta make it awkward and uncomfortable," suggested a reader.
"Dear Fever owner, if your sights are set on the playoffs and advancing, please fire Coach Sides. That’s all," said another fan.
While there are some folks on the comment section who have offered their support for Sides, it is clear that the majority of Fever supporters are not delighted with the coach's recent comments here.
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