The Indiana Fever faced their second consecutive defeat, falling to the Seattle Storm 89-77. The Fever’s 22 turnovers proved costly, allowing the Storm to score an overwhelming 27 points off those mistakes.
While rookie Caitlin Clark led the team with 15 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds, Fever head coach Christie Sides emphasized the need for Clark to take more shots. However, fans are more frustrated by Sides’ decision to keep Kristy Wallace in the starting lineup.
Wallace, who failed to score against the Storm, is currently shooting 38.5% from the field and 28% from three-point range. Sides’ comments about Wallace during a June 25 press conference sparked considerable debate among fans.
“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.”
However, Wallace’s contribution in the Fever’s 88-87 loss to Chicago was limited to a total of nine points.
Everything that comes out of Christie Sides mouth is BS. Kristy Wallace sucks as a basketball player almost as much as @ChristySides sucks as a coach. How does Sides justify Wallace playing 30 min in a game? Wallace has to be sleeping with Sides. #FeverRising https://t.co/gPQqrwfSUZ
— Caitlin #WhiteShesus Clark (@FierceWorrior) June 26, 2024
there’s so many issues I can overlook but christie sides refusal to stop starting kristy wallace is just mind blowing
— yas (@yasbb_) June 28, 2024
Katie Lou and Lexie Hull should be playing so much more.
Every time Kristy Wallace touches the ball I want to throw up !!!
Christie Sides, girl, this job ain’t for you
— cass (@DATcass11) June 28, 2024
“She’s getting some open looks,” Sides continued. “It’s about the attention that Caitlin draws and that Kelsey [Mitchell] draws and [Aliyah Boston] draws, you know? So, I mean she’s gonna be ready. She’s a fighter. She’s always working. She’s a dog. I love that in her.”
it's a sad night for our country
christie sides is still starting kristy wallace
— crimson quarry (@crimsonquarry) June 28, 2024
Despite Sides’ praise, Wallace’s performance against the Storm did not reflect her coach’s confidence. The Athletic’s James Boyd commented, “Kristy Wallace *has* to shoot better to remain a starter,” echoing the sentiments of many fans whose reactions were even harsher on social media.
I’m crying Christie Sides really look at Kristy Wallace and said your guarding Jewell Loyd 💔 she really hates the team #WNBA pic.twitter.com/6mKVTXpvZv
— Not you blocked me (@Notyoublockedm1) June 28, 2024
As the Fever look to bounce back, the coaching decisions surrounding player rotations and starting lineups will continue to be under scrutiny from both analysts and fans. The pressure is on for Sides to find the right balance to support Clark’s rising stardom while addressing the team’s overall performance issues.