The Indiana Fever shocked the WNBA world on Sunday after it was reported that the organization had decided to relieve Christie Sides of her duties as the team’s head coach.

Sides was heavily criticized by fans and pundits alike throughout the season but it still came as a surprise that the front office decided to let her go, especially after new Fever president Kelly Krauskopf previously said that she was “impressed” by what Sides had achieved this past season.

Be that as it may, Sides is now out of the picture after two years at the helm. In her second and final season in Indiana, she coached a Caitlin Clark-led squad to their first playoff appearance since 2016.

The last time the Fever were in the postseason, it was former MVP Tamika Catchings who led the charge for the team in what was her final season in the WNBA. The Hall of Famer, who is widely considered an Indiana legend, has spoken out about the team’s decision to fire Sides.

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides. © Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Not long after the news broke, Sides took to X to share her reaction to the stunning turn of events. The 47-year-old sent a classy message after her firing, saying “Leave it better than you found it.✌🏼”

Sides limited the commenting on her tweet to only those who she follows on the social media platform. This is why there were only three comments on there (as of writing), with one of them coming directly from Catchings.

@ChristieSides I’m so proud of you for a heckuva season and getting the @IndianaFever back to the Playoffs!!” Catchings responded. “You came, you achieved and I KNOW the BEST IS YET TO COME!

“Never easy but keep shining 🌟Temporary roadblock for future success! 🙌🏽🙏🏾🥰❤️ #YouGotThis #ClaimIt”

There’s nothing but love from the Fever icon.

It is unclear what direction Sides’ career will take at this point, but what is abundantly clear is that she will have the unwavering support of Tamika Catchings wherever she ends up.