Indiana Fever’s shot-caller, Christie Sides, finds herself enveloped in a maelstrom of criticism from the team’s faithful following four consecutive losses in the fledgling WNBA 2024 campaign.
Despite the Herculean efforts of Caitlin Clark, the Fever succumbed to an 88-84 defeat at the hands of the Connecticut Sun, remaining winless in the league thus far this season.
This narrow loss represented the Fever’s closest brush with victory, a departure from the lopsided drubbings they endured against the New York Liberty over the weekend. Even in their curtain-raiser against the Sun, they were comprehensively outclassed, falling 92-71.
However, in this particular clash, the Fever’s undoing was rooted in the minuscule details. Whispers abound that they could have forced overtime had Aliyah Boston not squandered her potentially game-tying lay-up in the waning moments.
While many have cast aspersions on Boston and Clark for failing to replicate their customary standards, some have trained their ire on coach Sides for a critical tactical misstep.
A chorus of fans took to social media to highlight the perplexing decision to entrust the final shot to Boston instead of their talismanic scorer Clark. Given the rookie’s hot hand at that juncture, having amassed a team-high 17 points, the decision raised eyebrows.
Sides Faces Supporters’ Wrath
One particularly incensed fan even demanded Sides’ resignation after the game, citing her perceived blunder and disregard for Clark.
“You coach the Indiana Fever, you haven’t won a WNBA game, you’re 2 down, you have the last shot, you have Caitlin Clark, and you call a play for Aliyah Boston? Coach gotta go,” the exasperated fan vented.
Another commenter echoed the sentiment, “You gotta give Caitlin Clark the ball in crunch time.”
“Aaliyah Boston just looked off Caitlin Clark to smoke a wide open lay up to tie the game ……”, another added, bewildered.
While dismissing Sides, 47, at this juncture may seem like the path of least resistance, there have been glimmers of progress since the opening salvo. Yet, another stumble against the Seattle Storm on May 23 could further stoke the flames of dissent.