Christie Sides speaking to media. (Image Source: X/@sportingnews)
Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides isn’t holding back regarding the physical play directed toward rookie star Caitlin Clark. She vented her frustrations in Saturday’s postgame interview over the physical treatment Caitlin Clark had been subjected to during the game.
“We’re just going to keep sending these possessions to the league, and these plays, and hopefully they’ll start, you know, taking a better look at some of the things that we see happening, or we think is happening,” Sides said. “Just more happy that Caitlin handled it the way she did. You know, it’s tough to keep getting hammered the way she does and to not get rewarded with free throws or foul calls. She’s continued to fight through that. Appreciate that from her. Really, really proud of her for doing that.”
Fever coach Christie Sides made these statements after Clark and veteran player Chennedy Carter had a heated exchange in a game against the Chicago Sky. As Clark tried to inbound the ball, Carter gave her an apparent shoulder check. While the play only resulted in a common foul call, it ignited a conversation about the physicality Clark has faced throughout her rookie season.
Later, when questioned about the incident, Carter answered “next question” and chose not to discuss the foul.
“It is what it is,” Clark said. “I feel like I’m just at the point where you accept it and don’t retaliate. … I’m trying not to let it bother me.”
Fever upset Sky in the first Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese WNBA meeting
In Saturday’s WNBA game, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark played each other for the first time. The game in which Jade Jones—the girlfriend of Tyrese Haliburton—took center stage and dominated the action. However, veteran Kelsey Mitchell stole the show as the Indiana Fever won 71–70. Kelsey scored 18 points to lead the Fever after he went scoreless in the first quarter, while NaLyssa Smith added 17 points to help the team win.
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Chennedy Carter topped all scorers for the Sky with 19 points after coming off the bench. The 4-year veteran dominated the court, yelling at Fever players and checking them defensively.
Marina Mabrey scored 15 points for Chicago. However, with 6.1 seconds left, she had a chance to equalize the score at 71 but missed the free throw.
Clark had a rough go of it after making her first two 3-pointers; she finished with 11 points, eight boards, and six assists.
Reese had 13 rebounds—eight offensive—and 8 points. She made an impact defensively when Clark rushed into the lane and elbowed her opponent in the fourth quarter as she boxed out for a rebound.
In their next game, the Fever will travel to face the New York Liberty on Sunday night.
