The Indiana Fever’s performance in their second game of the regular season on Thursday as flat would be an understatement. Trailing 48-31 at halftime against the New York Liberty, Christie Sides’ team faces the real possibility of starting the season with two straight losses. The challenges ahead for Indiana are significant, as they are set to play New York again on Saturday before hosting Connecticut later in the week.
The Fever’s sluggish start, coupled with the continued struggles of No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark, has raised concerns among fans about Sides’ effectiveness as head coach. There is growing speculation about whether Sides is maximizing the team’s potential. Some fans are even suggesting a coaching change, advocating for Lisa Bluder, Clark’s former coach, to take over. Bluder’s expected presence at the Fever’s home opener has fueled these discussions.
This difficult start to the season has prompted scrutiny of Sides’ leadership abilities. The upcoming rematch against the strong New York Liberty and the following game against Connecticut will test the team’s resilience and Sides’ strategic acumen.
As the Fever seek their first win, the pressure on Sides to quickly address the team’s issues is intensifying. Both fans and analysts are closely watching to see if significant adjustments will be made to overcome the early challenges and whether Caitlin Clark can meet the high expectations placed upon her.
