Indiana Fever fans want answers after Christie Sides leaves Caitlin Clark hanging again

The Indiana Fever have secured the sixth seed in the 2024 WNBA playoffs

Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides during Sunday’s game against the Dallas Wings

After the Indiana Fever’s narrow 110-109 win over the Dallas Wings, the conversation among fans shifted from the victory to mounting frustrations with head coach Christie Sides.

Despite ending a two-game losing streak, many Fever supporters were left dissatisfied with Sides’ handling of a controversial foul involving rookie star Caitlin Clark, prompting some to call for her dismissal.

Why didn’t Christie Sides defend Caitlin Clark?

The incident occurred in the first half when Clark, the Fever’s breakout rookie, drove to the basket only to be fouled hard by Dallas forward Natasha Howard.

Clark’s layup missed, and as she hit the floor, Howard landed on top of her, igniting outrage from Indiana’s fanbase.

Many expected Sides to come to Clark’s defense, but the coach remained silent, sparking a wave of criticism from fans who believe she should have taken a stand for her player.

Sides’ decision to pull Clark from the game shortly after the incident added fuel to the fire, with many questioning her leadership and decision-making under pressure.

Fever fans took to social media to express their displeasure, with some demanding immediate changes.

One fan on X commented, “I can’t overstate how bad of a coach Sides is #FireSides,” echoing the sentiment shared by many who feel that Sides is not adequately protecting her players.

Another user, @BlueBetty107, voiced concerns about Sides’ lack of vocal support for her team: “Christie Sides has got to SPEAK UP. Becky Hammon sometimes does too much, but her players KNOW she’s got their back. The Fever is missing that.”

Christie Sides is not on the fans’ good side

This isn’t the first time Sides has faced criticism for her perceived inaction.

Similar frustration emerged in the Fever’s recent losses to the Las Vegas Aces, where fans felt that Sides failed to defend her players amid questionable officiating.

Despite the controversy, the Fever have performed well this season, bouncing back from a difficult 1-8 start to secure a playoff spot.

With All-Stars Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell leading the charge, Indiana remains focused on postseason success, though fan discontent with Sides continues to overshadow the team’s accomplishments.

As the Fever prepare for their final regular season game and the upcoming playoffs, many fans are left wondering whether Sides’ leadership is the right fit for this promising roster.

The Indiana Fever last made the WNBA Playoffs in 2016, and while their return is a cause for celebration, tensions around the head coach’s decisions may cloud the road ahead.

The Fever’s playoff journey begins on September 22, but questions around Christie Sides’ future with the team are likely to persist.