WNBA Fans Are Baffled by Caitlin Clark’s Usage at End of Fever's Loss to Sky

Kristen Wong | Jun 23, 2024

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Fever saw their four-game winning streak come to an end in Sunday’s 88-87 road defeat to the Chicago Sky, but as usual, rookie Caitlin Clark served as an undeniably bright spot in the loss.

Clark netted 17 points and 13 assists, setting a Fever franchise record for most assists in a single game. Erica Wheeler held the previous record with 12 against Chicago last season.

Despite Clark’s impressive passing abilities, some believe she wasn’t utilized properly in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. The Fever blew a 15-point lead in the second half and struggled to create consistent offensive rhythm late in the game—the Sky outscored the Fever 24-15 in the final quarter, and Indiana shot just 5-of-16 from the field during that span. 

WNBA fans wondered aloud on social media why Fever coach Christie Sides didn’t try to get Clark more open looks or put the ball in her hands with the game on the line.

Back to back possessions and the Indiana Fever don’t put the ball in the hands of Caitlin Clark when down 2 and down 3. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!!

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 23, 2024

The Indiana Fever head coach needs to answer for this coaching malpractice the last 5 minutes.

Caitlin Clark is not only not shooting the ball, she’s not touching the ball and teammates aren’t looking for her.

As a coach, this is a complete failure.

— Jordan Stocks (@StockTalks21) June 23, 2024

Caitlin Clark has to start being a lot more selfish.

Clark has to realize that her shooting a contested shot is more productive than her teammate shooting an uncontested shot. The “right basketball play” on paper, ain’t always the right one in real life.

Cc: Dame Lillard pic.twitter.com/zGh8wbSIE7

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) June 23, 2024

Indiana Fever has the best shooter in the history of College Basketball in Caitlin Clark who is known for her clutchness.

Yet Christie Sides didn’t run one play for her in the last three minutes of this game.

Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky win today. pic.twitter.com/UnprwYM0SG

— Adam Stroller (@StrollerAdam) June 23, 2024

Christie Sides & Caitlin Clark were arguing towards the end of the game. Clark didn’t like the game plan from Sides. This is going to be an issue because Christie Sides went away from the pick & roll, Chicago was having an issue stopping it. Indiana would have won this game

— ⚡️PJ⚡️ (@PJocky82) June 23, 2024

The Fever (7-11) will face the Sky one more time in the regular season on August 30.