Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides’ recreation plan because the crew squandered a 15-point lead in opposition to the Chicago Sky on Sunday got here underneath fireplace because the crew misplaced a pivotal matchup.
Clark had 17 factors on 5-of-11 taking pictures – all of her made photographs have been from past the 3-point line. She additionally had a franchise-record 13 assists. Nevertheless, the Fever misplaced 88-87.
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Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides talks with guard Caitlin Clark, #22, throughout the second half of a basketball recreation in opposition to the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Area in Chicago on June 23, 2024. (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports activities)
The sharpshooting rookie didn’t try a shot within the closing 2:19 of the sport. As an alternative, second-year star Aliyah Boston tried two lengthy photographs, making one in all them. Kristy Wallace additionally obtained a shot off within the closing moments of the sport.
Indiana solely scored 5 factors within the closing 6:38 of the sport and have been outscored 24-15 within the fourth quarter.
Sides anticipated Clark to be extra aggressive within the closing moments of the sport. Sky guard Marina Mabrey missed clutch free throws, and a free ball obtained into the palms of Clark.
Clark moved it up the ground shortly and handed it to Wallace, who made a valiant effort at a troublesome lay-up however missed the shot.
“I by no means need her to not be aggressive and take photographs,” Sides advised reporters, by way of the Indy Star. “I actually thought when she went out in transition after that missed free throw I believed she was gonna take it to the rim or pull up proper there. That might’ve been a fantastic shot for her, a fantastic shot for our crew. However we have been up 15 on the finish of the third quarter, we have gotta do a greater job at closing out video games.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, #22, walks on the court docket throughout the second half of a basketball recreation in opposition to the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Area in Chicago on June 23, 2024. (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports activities)
Former NFL gamers Robert Griffin III and Emmanuel Acho have been amongst those that criticized the sport plan within the closing moments.
“There isn’t a method on God’s inexperienced earth that Caitlin Clark shouldn’t have taken the final shot or perhaps a shot within the final 30 secs of the sport,” Griffin wrote on X.
CAITLIN CLARK REVEALS SHE SUFFERED RUPTURED EARDRUM ON HARD SCREEN VS LIBERTY EARLIER THIS MONTH
“Caitlin Clark ought to have taken the final shot. That’s why you may have her. For moments like that. Interval,” he added.
Acho added, “Caitlin Clark has to begin being much more egocentric. Clark has to appreciate that her taking pictures a contested shot is extra productive than her teammate taking pictures an uncontested shot. The ‘proper basketball play’ on paper, ain’t all the time the precise one in actual life.”
Extra followers added to the dialog on social media.
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Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides reacts throughout the first half of a basketball recreation in opposition to the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Area in Chicago on June 23, 2024. (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports activities)
Sky rookie Angel Reese stole the present with one other double-double. She had 25 factors and 16 rebounds within the win. Chennedy Carter added 23.
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