Indiana Fever Media Availability | May 12, 2024

Caitlin Clark and Head Coach Christie Sides talk to media after training camp.
0:00 Caitlin Clark
1:36 Head Coach Christie Sides

[@__tonks__aba9398]

I’ve never in 40 yrs watched WNBA until now, and, that is all because of CC#22. I agree, the coach needs to let CC be herself and just play, stop trying to suppress her!

[@johnsteward132]

Me too!

[@gregthomas2448]

Me too 💫 New fan here 👍 Sides needs to stop criticizing CC. Sides should be fired. Whispers getting louder CC does not like Sides. 🥹

[@calliep7464]

Agree…. The game is evolving…. Let it

[@gummybeer119]

​@@gregthomas2448Stop the cap. There are no whispers. Lyn Dunn is not going to fire Sides because you guys think CC is the second coming. 🤪

[@user-gy2xh1sp9s]

Unfortunately, 1/2 of WNBA female coaches think toxic "toughness" means good coaching. The WNBA culture repulsed fans. Anyone stuck there needs to go, ASAP.

[@justinewaller6813]

You guys need to leave these people alone, they are professionals and don’t need your opinions, and it’ll take some time to figure some stuff out so take it easy on the players and the coaches

[@kingskidgirl2]

Amen. They know what they're doing.

[@edfrhes]

No

[@smithjane006]

we are the one's buying tickets....aka funding their paychecks! Sides specialty is assistant defensive coach and she got those positions riding the coat tail of Pokey Chatman

[@jihyotwice3159]

You seem to not know or have a naive opinion about sports reporting. Are there some idiots? Absolutely. There was that Doyle guy that made creepy comments and got suspended from interviewing CC. And he was nationally recognized reporter that votes on players. Just look around at how many KZbin channels that have sprung up and just report on CC controversy. Some are warranted, like the comments from Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, Grimes, and Lexi "Who" Brown. Remember the controversy from CC and the Nike deal. Players and "feminist" Journalists couldn't resist on commenting why CC got a deal before Aja Wilson. Now that Aja got her deal with Nike, it's ironic that nobody reported on that. They just want to stir controversy for click bait. Nobody watched or talked about the WNBA till CC came to play. Nobody watched the WNBA finals last season. It's getting better for CC as they all come to realize all the good she brings. Just look at the WNBA charter flights. So why don't you take your own medicine and quit posting stupid stuff. As long as they (WNBA) does media interviews, people are free to comment.

[@gummybeer119]

​@@jihyotwice3159As soon as you say nobody cared or watched before CC, you're immediately discredited. The W has been trending upward for the past 3 or 4 years. Significant jumps in all metrics year over year. Has CC brought a ton of new attention? Duh, of course. But if she had come 5 years ago it wouldn't be like this. Because the players that came before her built it up to be able to take advantage of this moment. So have all the opinions you want, but don't expect us to treat them like the Bible. Enjoy the games.

[@TbitPhimo]

Great to see CC22 smile again after a tough game for her last time

[@Joaquin-227]

Fever give the players and coaches space to grow and develop as a team. The fans don't need daily interviews. An interview before the game and after is all we need. The fans need and want the team to win!

[@TbitPhimo]

CC22 is the wave and it'll continue to be go girl 💪

[@sachithfernando3918]

🎉

[@wheevocado]

They look more relaxed and rested, that's good

[@user-gy2xh1sp9s]

Somewhat ... let's hope.

[@georgekucharo3318]

Excited for Tuesday's game!

[@randalljohnson8293]

This is gonna be a great ride with Coach Sides & The New Advanced Indiana Fever!!! Im Stoked!

[@lousykingpanda7897]

Everyday I just want to see this team man I’m obsessed 😅

[@torigabriel6025]

Not sure about obsessed but I think most of us want to make sure that everyone on the team is healthy and in good spirits. Hearing from the team (even for less than 5 minutes) is definitely appreciated. Thank you, Fever media team!

[@quarantinelife8322]

go cc from ph

[@jgomez5963]

Coach you got this 🫡

[@dalesmith9741]

Glad to see her smiling and happy again

[@SULLYtheSojourner]

CC looks very upbeat and positive, which is good to see after this past week. Critical coach changing her game and not her typical great game last game. Go Fever!

[@Vadimony]

CC doesn't show her frustrations in public or make a scene about this sort of thing to the world. If she exhibits any such feelings, she keeps it internal.

[@baitwaitfishing7625]

CC is magic🤔 mmm Magic Clark😉 Her first trick could be to make sides disappear! Welcome to the Show!

[@tonyhill5235]

I like to call cc mistro.

[@user-gy2xh1sp9s]

Boom

[@user-nz3mn5gq6e]

It's a great year to be a fan! So excited!

[@OHANA-Beach-Suites-CDO]

I’m inspired by Caitlin!👏👏👏👍🙏

[@jimmaynard8573]

Playing great ball with an outstanding team line up . We all believe its the chance of a life time continue the rising tide "GO FEVER"

[@H_da_6.5]

Just looked at the roster and they still have 13 players. Who got cut recently?

[@perkbass1]

Ok, let CC play her game coach and work the team around her. She is the Rock of your team.

[@tzu2146]

Sides is never going to relax the reins on Clark. I swear Clark is gonna have to Kobe once in awhile.

[@user-gy2xh1sp9s]

Or demand Sides GOES.

[@bfravel]

Already the face of the WNBA and hasn't even played a regular season game yet!

[@tonyhill5235]

Superstars are recognized quickly...see what the NBA is saying. They see it.

[@bandislife2004]

So excited!!!❤❤❤❤

[@Chris_Restall]

I would like to see Aaliyah Boston in the Paint with her Back to the Basket… a little more patient, don’t give up that dribble so Quick and if pressured, pass it back to CC#22 or other options etc… Think 💭 Triangle Offence 101.9… ✌️ “Clear the Mechanism.” A great quote from the Movie~>For love of the Game 1999 The battle within, the mental side of the Game, being able to Slow things down and “Clear the Mechanism.” ✌️

[@lookup1542]

I love Clark. She is one of 12 players Christie and Lyne are molding together as a team. Time will tell with the coaching strategy. Caitlin is not the only player. This team has amazing players that all want a piece of the action to win. I support the coach and the team as a whole. There is no "i" in team. So, let's see how they rise together.

[@Joshua-me1wi]

Glad to see CC looking relaxed and happy. She knows how to win - just give her the trust. Coach probably learned not to criticize her players publicly and give away too much info. Off to the playoffs! Go Fever!

[@steveking7719]

Are you flying Charter now for this first game?

[@user-gy2xh1sp9s]

Boom

[@haleyworden4]

Someone get Linn and let her know Sides is messing up

[@user-ri5zf5po4p]

Go go CC❤❤❤

[@jbethwal]

IA figured it out quickly enough, coach. It's not rocket science. The question is are Sides and Lin all in or stuck in the 1990's and going to fight the new WBB and this historic moment?

[@tonyhill5235]

I think Lin is Getty about cc. She won't give sides a long rope and is reading the anger fans are expressing bc they don't want cc ruined

[@johnsteward132]

Question is, Can the coach hold her own now that she has takent. 2 excellent draft picks the last 2 years means the coach needs to step it up as well.

[@harrykern616]

Come on people, leave the coach alone. Give her some time to figure things out, they haven't been together that long yet. Players still learning about each other. Coach will let CC run the show as they adapt to each other. They will figure it out, then look out. Go Fever!!!

[@smithjane006]

she is suppose to be the head coach with years of experience. granted, her specialty is defense and most previous coaching positions was riding the coat tail of Pokey Chatman. Plus, the fever knew what they were getting with CC....they've had plenty of time to figure her into the equation. but that isnt the approach they are taking. instead, it likes they view CC as someone who just fell off the turnip truck....whats next....wait I know.....they will try to "mold" her into the team and play her at center.

[@tonyhill5235]

She needs to get out of her own way and not ruin the mistro.

[@harrykern616]

@@smithjane006 Just because they knew what they were getting doesn't mean you know you have it figured out right away. Sounds good on paper but players need time to adapt to each other. Doesn't happen over night. Give them time, they will figure it out. Once they do look out!

[@adelynmoncada3406]

That coach needs to go ASAP

[@harrykern616]

@@adelynmoncada3406 Right, it's always the coaches fault. Give her a chance, season didn't even start yet! People are so clueless on here.

[@bandislife2004]

#GoFever #IndianaFever @IndianaFever

[@chevyyyyyyy]

C’mon Sides, the last question was not about the whole team; It was targeted at CC performance and then, at the end you say, “we are going to give her the opportunity” as if it’s an aftertaught. I want to see CC take, TAKE the opportunity rather than being given a crumb handout because the team is not about you; It’s about entertaining, watchable, exciting BB which CC, not you, brings. Get with it.

[@gummybeer119]

Some of our new fans are lovely. Clearly here for CC, but never screaming their heads off about it, willing to have discussions even if they disagree, interested and curious about the rest of the team and the W as a whole. Generally knowledgeable about baskerball. I'm glad these folks are with us. But words simply cannot express how obnoxious *some* of our new fans are. Rude. Entitled. Ignorant and proud of it. More into celebrity culture than they will ever be into basketball. You're doing your idol a disservice by dogging her teammates and coach every chance you get. CC is a phenomenal talent. I'm excited to see her play live, which I will be doing for at least half the home games. But she is not the best player in the WNBA yet, and she is not gonna run our team like LeBron. Lucikly, I don't think she wants to. She's not nearly as delusional as her super stans. This should be a fun time to be a Fever fan. And mostly it is. But some of you seem to be doing your best to try and make it toxic. It's sad and gross.

[@chronicallyme2657]

Who was the last cut to get to 12? Their official roster still shows 13

[@BluePoetProductions]

I caught that too. I wonder if Coach jumped the offical notice.

[@Stamango]

Yep. I am watching for a tweet or something.

[@gummybeer119]

I think because Mitchell is on the injured list she doesn't count yet.

[@BluePoetProductions]

@@gummybeer119 I thought perhaps that, as well. But Mitchell has been in camp, and has been telling press that she expects to be ready by openning day.

[@gummybeer119]

@@BluePoetProductions Welp. Maybe the late arriving Brazilian is getting cut? We saw her in a video when she finally got here but I feel like we've not seen her since? 🤔

[@jimhines2994]

Will CC’s parents be there for the 1st game?

[@queenflint5263]

i think she said first home game

[@goodnessratedbeau8147]

This is the first time I ever heard the term high volume shooter. All I have to say is MICHAEL JORDEN was a HIGH VOLUME SHOOTER. I think that is ENOUGH SAID. SIDES is something else the reason why the WNBA is BORING because there is lots of Isolation plays. And women don’t usually have the athleticism to finish like the men do. So the end product is miss shots, making boring basketball. Caitlin Clark is a PointQuarterBack. Unlike some WNBA PLAYERS who don’t have the skill set to finish most of the time CC does. Other players, all they have to do is get open and she with find you. I mean I learn this style of play in highschool. I am surprised professional athletes in THE W never seen this style of play before. Number one thing is these WNBA player need to hit the gym and get in shape. So they could put a better product out there.

[@gummybeer119]

If you have never heard the term before you either haven't been paying attention to basketball long or have forgotten half of what you've heard.

[@goodnessratedbeau8147]

@@gummybeer119 oh

[@mikepeterson3425]

Coach should be given some grace here trying to meld a new team. But there is NO room for calling out her own players weaknesses to the media…that must be handled in the locker room.

[@aguy6641]

At some point excuses run out.

[@skytimely]

Awww can’t wait

[@duanelade5724]

Caitlyn wouldn't be able to walk out of her hotel room without some agent.Calling her up to go play for somebody else right off the bat.So they'd better be taking care.Of herror and I'll hurry back, so probably packed anyway.Just in case

[@SW-lx3lu]

I’m confident in Coach.

[@user-oz8su3ne5b]

"Just win baby"

[@billmartinn9851]

You mean you've added Caitlin Clark and others! Can you just admit that coach?

[@tonyhill5235]

I caught that too. She sounds as jealous as the other old ladies in uniform

[@steveking7719]

I still say Catlin shouldn't care about the defender when transitioning... do the "insta-stop" and take the shot... draw the foul for either a 4pt play or 3pt at the line. She need to add this to her pro move toolbox.

[@chucks1673]

Give Christie some space to figure this out ............. tough assignment

[@user-gy2xh1sp9s]

No.

[@ALLCITY73]

CC stans are starting to get weird

[@cooliscool115]

lfg caitlin 🎉

[@bperol1900.]

Coach of caitlin Clark in a fever fired out"shes no iQ about caitlin Clark skill"in court"😁😜😜

[@eriklarson2066]

12 teams? That's a huge statement about the status of the WNBA

[@sweens1956]

Coach didn’t say anything wrong. There’s nothing wrong with a coach critiquing a player, even if that player is the #1 overall pick. Every piece of feedback is just gonna help CC further develop. She’s a rookie.

[@Juke582]

Wrong! You do not tare down players in public like that! I have never ever seen that! You are a gaslighter!

[@steveg2448]

Coach is a crazy chick

[@adelynmoncada3406]

They need a new coach, she is the greatest female basketball player in the world, and you got this coach trying to change CC style, let caitlin be caitlin stop holding her back and teach your team how to put up a screen and be ready for the pass, Indiana Fever needs a new coach ASAP

[@desitterspace2127]

Does Larry Bird still have a house in Indiana? Coach of the year in the NBA and WNBA would look pretty nice on his mantle!

[@01NATHAN10]

Trade Kelsey for defensive wing

[@jiijiceente533]

Agreed

[@Jponds]

Brea Beal is a good defensive wing to play with Caitlyn and Aliyah Boston her former teammate

[@calliep7464]

They need to play Saxton… she knows how to do clean up

[@user-gy2xh1sp9s]

MARSHALL

[@billmartinn9851]

Does this coach even realize that the only reason the team is getting this attention is because of CC?

[@charliemirus4124]

But, if you’ve seen CC the last two years, you will know she, like Coach Sides, is all about THE TEAM as a unit. Team-first language and mentality is the only way to win in the W (from what I can tell. I’m new to the interest in the league, too, honestly.)

[@user-gy2xh1sp9s]

Apparently NO. Apparently almost winning and being top losingest is her idea of "all we've done to be at this place".

[@lookup1542]

Do you understand there are 12 players on the roster and each one is talented. This team has a strategy build a winning franchise. Fans only want to see Caitlin, the coach and management see a team of 12 and how to best develop all of them together. Caitlin has even acknowledged the talent in her teammates. She won't have to carry the team like in Iowa. This is a new season in Caitlin's life. Growth and maturity sometimes comes through adversity. New team, new challenges. I'm excited to cheer them on.

[@bandislife2004]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@jamiee11]

There's something not right with Christie Sides.

[@briangoodner8680]

Coach needs vocal rest.

[@tzu2146]

Agreed.

[@tonyhill5235]

I hear it too. She can't give cc credit and likes to criticize the mistro to please the old lady downers in the league...she needs dt to play where no needle dares to move. She needs to go. I think Lin spoke to her bc she did say cc will get her shots or something like that...but definitely a problem. Lin is gitty bout clark and said why would they change anything w clark b4. She can't b happy w sides attitude.

[@queenflint5263]

​@@tonyhill5235 agree totally, she refuses to say anything truly positive, either a bit of negative or deflection.

[@queenflint5263]

agrer

[@45searay]

Sides is fired but doesn’t know it yet….

[@desitterspace2127]

Paging Reggie Miller!

[@stazrude9624]

Caitlin was given the green light at Iowa. Sides, will and has put the breaks on. Fans will be bored in a month and the WNBA will slide back into obscurity. I hope I'm wrong but I doubt I am.

[@tonyhill5235]

I think the gm I'd not going to let that continue...she loves cc and said she doesn't want to change her...sides is on a short leash.

[@rustythecat2163]

@@tonyhill5235 Hope you are right!

[@haleyworden4]

Don't suppress CC. Let her play her game.

[@Lorre4]

Hope they don't try change her game think this coach wants too.

[@haleyworden4]

I don't like coach anymore. She lied and said she wasn't gonna change CC

[@Juke582]

The coach needs to back off the media and criticizing Clark like a jealous narcissist and let them play as they are all great talent and will figure it out! We don’t want to see criticism in public! So wrong 😡 LET CLARK play HER game!

[@aguy6641]

Coach Sides one foot out the door.

[@lyndim6926]

Well, Sides says one thing and does the opposite. She is trying to change CC, but make it look like she is letting her play her game. She has come out and said the she wants CC to shoot less 3's and more 2's, and also CC has .5 seconds to make up her mind. WOW, .5 seconds, can anyone do that in a game like this??? I also see a big difference in Boston from when she was in college until last year when Sides took over and changed her. Boston isn't the player now that she was in college, and Sides is wanting to change CC to be just a everyday player also. Thats not what the fans, want!!!! I hope Lin Dunn is watching and reading all these video' and comments. If not, someone needs to inform her what is going on!!!!

[@EetsBack]

If sides is not pleased with Caitlin why doesn’t she cut her? At least she’ll be known for making the worst decision possibly in the wnba. The issue as I see it is the inability of the coach and some teammates to pace themselves to play with Clark. Smith has got it worked out and that shows in the score. Boston is either not there or is not getting there deliberately . And sides has no comment about that. The greatness of Lisa Bluder was that she didn’t try to change the way Caitlin played just worked on polishing it and adding complementary players around her.

[@ronaldopadilla561]

She wants the credit. She forgot its always the players. I dont think she the right coach for this team. She can coach a lottery team. But this team has the players in all 5 POS. Its not your imprint if you dont any at all. Just answer minimal for you become a polarizing figure. Your players are laid back dont push them to the wall. All great coaches take the blame never the credit.

[@Vadimony]

She's getting all the flak if she fails with the abundance of talent on her roster: - Caitlin Clark is a 2x National POY, and 3x Conference Champion, and the greatest offensive player in the history of college basketball. She's also one of the top 20 in PER of all-time College Basketball. Also won MVP with team USA - Boston is a national championship, and a USA championship. ROY. Besides last year, she's been an excellent winner her whole career. - Lexie Hull won a national championship as well. - Temi is a championship winner in the London league. - Nylssa Smith has won certain awards as well, but being with the Fever has been rough for her. In college, she was a national champion with Baylor. - Kelsey Mitchell accomplished a good deal of success at Ohio State as well, but didn't win any higher than conference championship, as she only got to the Sweet 16. She won 24 or more games every year. - Victoria Saxton won a national championship with South Carolina as well. The other players won plenty as well, Katie Lou went to a powerhouse in UCONN (she made it to the national game, but didn't win it). Kristy Wallace was in Baylor, but didn't win a title. Grace Berger didn't really do a lot of winning. Erica Wheeler didn't win much either. Celeste Taylor had to go head to head against Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink, so she didn't win a lot either. The rest of the team has been part of winning culture for quite a long stretch, besides being with the Fever. Erica went to a Sweet 16 once with Rutgers, but not much else happened for her since she didn't join an elite school. The only real loser with a rep for it happens to be the coach. She's surrounded by a lot of accomplished players with enormous success at many levels.

[@Soccox]

Christie Sides has only been an assistant coach for 20 years (until last year) in a failed basement league. She has no clue what she has with Caitlin, and she does not have the acumen (coaching experience) to build a successful team around Caitlin. Numerous pro player legends ( who have been coached by the best basketball coaches in the world) like Steph Curry, Shaquille O’Neal, Isaiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Luka Dončić, and Trae Young all have said the Caitlin Clark is one of the best players to have ever played the game. Christie Sides ( 🤡😂 Coach😂🤡) last week said that Caitlin has a bad habit of hanging around and just dancing and not taking the correct shot. Some one needs to tell assistant coach Sides that Caitlin had broken every shooting record in NCAA history and that Caitlin had 1,140 assists in the NCCA. I’m not sure sure what planet Sides has come from, but I’m pretty sure she never watched Caitlin play in college. I’m also pretty sure that Sides is a low rate coach and is out of her league when it comes to being able to take advantage of Caitlin’s attributes. Caitlin is the only player in NCAA history(including men) to have scored a 40 point triple double in an NCAA. No other players including Larry Bird, Michael Jordon, or Shaq has done it (40 points). For Sides to tell Clark that during her college career that she just stood around and danced trying to figure out what shot to take, was very condescending and is proof that she is not a real high caliber leader or coach. Let’s hope this clown (Sides) does not ruin the momentum that Clark has brought to this welfare league.

[@smithjane006]

can you imagine what impact these degrading comments have on the player? no wonder she shot 2 for 9 on threes for the night....in her mind she's saying "on no....I shouldnt have shot that.....I'm suppose to throw up two's....on no, I'm not suppose to be working towards a 3 pt shot position....I'm suppose to run around spastically to hit a two......

[@tonyhill5235]

I have voiced these same thoughts as well. She can ruin cc and make her second guess. Her confidence is a huge part if her game and her team believing and supporting her is also huge to her ...sides needs to go NOW!!! Don't let her practice on cc when it is clear she is not qualified and she us very intimidated by cc.

[@Soccox]

Get rid of Assistant Coach Sides and hire Lisa Bluder before you guys destroy a good thing.

[@lorenzoibanquez9053]

Coach sides is your perfect example of Adderall overdosing 👀👀🙊

[@user-gy2xh1sp9s]

Delete me if you will, I'm spot on. This isn't just about Clark or IN or even WBB, it's an historic moment for women's sports, which saves lives, including having saved mine.

[@Erikcasas64]

R.I.P Kobe Bryant, this lady lynched me right & called out how he was going to die! This was years ago! I have more stories like this! I think i earned a medal!!

[@user-gy2xh1sp9s]

I hear Sides ONE more time say, "hardest working" ... Tiring out the top team and player is not the new high IQ WBB or a winning strategy, coach. Clark, Smith and Wheeler and 2 or 3 top shooters got this.

[@mlouise1828]

If she contains Clarks threes and time, then W will loose viewers again. People are watching now because of her play, not because of the boring game they had before Caitlin.

[@craigvogel2935]

Enoughalready she only had fifteen points playing against woman watch boys high school basketball if you want to see real. Game

[@steveking7719]

I wonder if the staff at Indiana Fever have someone that reads the posts here? Do they laugh or cry.... or both?

[@dancers915]

Sides seems so tensed. She better learn to how relax.

[@gregthomas2448]

Dingbat Coach Christy Sides is basically stopping CC from becoming who she is. Sides told her no deep logo shots, stop dancing around and questioned her stamina. Sides should be fired. 🫣😳🏀❤️

[@steveking7719]

Well CC is being face-guarded so close she cannot get a decent look to shoot the ball. So Christy is finding other ways to use her passing to open players. If Clark gets a decent look, she'll take a shot. And I bet if CC starts getting hot from 3 point land, Christy won't complain.

[@gregthomas2448]

@@steveking7719 I respect that. I predict Christy gets shown the door and Reggie Miller becomes the new coach. And I predict Cam Brink and Kate Martin will eventually make more money than CC. JMHO. Old Christy is handling this all wrong. I’m guessing a few people here agree with me 👍

[@steveking7719]

@@gregthomas2448 I'll stay tuned to see what happens.

[@steveking7719]

@@gregthomas2448 Just curious, why would CC make less than Cam Brink and Kate Martin... what do you think would make this happen?

[@gregthomas2448]

@@steveking7719 I think she’s not built for the spotlight, Midwest girl practicing in silence, playing against her brothers. No pressure. I don’t think she wants it. She will make enough to be comfortable and hopefully have a successful career. Brink, Martin and Reece have spotlight star ⭐️ qualities. CC not so much. Just a fact. I wish her well. She needs the right coach and it isn’t Sides. I’m just a retired old 55 year old day trader who never watched a WNBA game before this year’s preseason. So I’m sure 👍 you’re probably right and I’m wrong. 😉