Head coach Christie Sides' decision to not have sharpshooter Caitlin Clark take the final shot in a pivotal matchup against the Chicago Sky has raised eyebrows, with critics arguing it was a missed opportunity for the Fever to secure a crucial win.
Head coach Christie Sides' game plan for the Indiana Fever has come under scrutiny following the team's disappointing loss to the Chicago Sky on Sunday. The Fever squandered a 15-point lead in the final quarter, and critics have pointed the finger at Sides' questionable decision-making in the game's closing moments.
Caitlin Clark, the Fever's sharpshooting rookie, had an impressive performance with 17 points and a franchise-record 13 assists. However, she did not attempt a shot in the final 2:19 of the game, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts.
Indiana Fever's Game Plan Under Fire After 'Bizarre' Loss to Chicago Sky
Instead, second-year star Aliyah Boston attempted two long shots, making one of them. Kristy Wallace also got a shot off in the closing moments of the game, but it was unsuccessful.
The Fever's offensive struggles down the stretch were evident, as they only scored five points in the final 6:38 of the game and were outscored 24-15 in the fourth quarter. Sides acknowledged that she expected Clark to be more aggressive in the closing moments, especially given the missed free throws by Sky guard Marina Mabrey.
Indiana Fever's Game Plan Under Fire After 'Bizarre' Loss to Chicago Sky
However, Clark passed the ball to Wallace instead of taking the shot herself, leading to a missed lay-up and the ultimate loss. Sides expressed regret over Clark's decision, emphasizing that she needs to be more assertive in taking shots, especially in crucial situations.
Former NFL players Robert Griffin III and Emmanuel Acho were among those who criticized the game plan in the final moments. Griffin expressed incredulity at Clark not taking the last shot, while Acho argued that Clark should prioritize taking contested shots over uncontested shots by her teammates.
Indiana Fever's Game Plan Under Fire After 'Bizarre' Loss to Chicago Sky
Fans on social media also joined the chorus of criticism, questioning Sides' judgment and calling for Clark to be given more freedom to take shots.
The loss to the Sky was a major setback for the Fever, who are now 2-5 on the season. Clark's performance has been a bright spot, but Sides will need to find a way to maximize her productivity and the team's overall performance if they want to turn their season around.
Meanwhile, the Sky improved to 4-3 with the win, with rookie Angel Reese continuing to impress with 25 points and 16 rebounds. Chennedy Carter added 23 points for the Sky, who will face the Fever again on Tuesday in Indiana.
