Fans Enraged Over Fever Coach's Commitment to Caitlin Clark’s Teammate
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The Indiana Fever took their second consecutive defeat after losing to the Seattle Storm 89-77. The Fever committed 22 turnovers, which the Storm capitalized with an insurmountable 27 points.
While Caitlin Clark led the team with 15 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, Fever head coach Christie Sides made it clear she wants the rookie to take more shots. Giving Clark more opportunities to score makes sense, however, Sides' decision to keep Kristy Wallace in the startling lineup continues to enrage fans.
Wallace, who scored 0 points against the Storm, is shooting 38.5% from the field and 28% from deep. Speaking to reporters on June 25, Sides' comments about Wallace immediately turned some heads.
"Kristy always draws that best opposing team’s offensive player. I mean she’s got her work cut out for her," Sides said. "I thought she did a really good job on (Chicago Sky guard) Marina Mabrey the other day. I think she had nine points at half.
Wallace, however, scored a total of 9 points during the Fever's 88-87 loss to Chicago.
"She’s getting some open looks," Sides continued. "It’s about the attention that Caitlin draws and that Kelsey (Mitchell) draws and AB (Aliyah Boston) draws, you know? So, I mean she’s gonna be ready, She’s a fighter. She’s always working. She a dog. I love that in her."
But that "dog" didn't come out agains the Storm.The Athletic's James Boyd posted, "Kristy Wallace *has* to shoot better to remain a starter," while fans' comments were much more harsh.