Indiana Fever Coach and Caitlin Clark: A Winning Sideline Partnership
Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides plans to have a candid discussion with rookie standout Caitlin Clark, as the former Iowa star is nearing a potential WNBA suspension while the Fever are fighting for a playoff spot.
On Sunday, Clark received her fifth technical foul during the Fever’s game against the Seattle Storm, after slapping the base of the basket in the third quarter.
Though it didn’t impact the result — Indiana won 92-75 — it moves Clark closer to a possible suspension. If she gets a seventh technical foul this season, she’ll be suspended for one game.
After the game, Sides acknowledged that a conversation with Clark is necessary.
“Yes, we’re going to talk,” Sides said. “I can’t afford to have Caitlin miss a game. So, this will definitely be addressed. She’s just a fiery competitor, and I don’t want to take that edge away from her. It’s what makes her who she is.”
Christie Sides on if she’s had talks with Caitlin Clark about the number of technical fouls: “Yeah, no. We’re gonna have a conversation (smiling). I don’t need Caitlin to sit out a game… she’s just a fiery competitor. I mean, I don’t want to take that away from her.” pic.twitter.com/jBQYyB6Md3
— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) August 18, 2024
Since the end of the Olympic break, the Indiana Fever have been on fire, securing victories over the Phoenix Mercury (98-89) and Seattle Storm (92-75). With a 13-15 record, the Fever are positioning themselves to make a push up the WNBA standings as the playoffs approach.
It’s crucial for Caitlin Clark, who has already shattered multiple WNBA records this season, to remain on the court.
Clark set the WNBA’s single-game assist record with 19 and broke the rookie single-season assist record. She’s also the first rookie in league history to notch a triple-double. Additionally, Clark leads the league in assists, averaging 8.3 per game.
A potential suspension is particularly concerning because there’s no reset for technical fouls. If Clark reaches seven technicals, she will be suspended for one game, with additional suspensions following every two subsequent technicals (ninth, 11th, etc.).
While Coach Sides appreciates the passion and intensity that Clark brings to the game, she’ll need to help her rookie maintain composure. If not, the Fever could face significant consequences at a critical point in their season.