Indiana Fever Head Coach Christie Sides Comments Caitlin Clark Shooting

"Indiana Fever coach criticized for saying star rookie Caitlin Clark needs to shoot more, fans blame teammates for lack of shots."

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides faced backlash from WNBA fans after expressing her belief that rookie sensation Caitlin Clark should be taking more shots during games. This criticism stemmed from Clark's minimal nine shot attempts in a recent game against the Seattle Storms, with only two of those attempts occurring in the second half.

Sides emphasized the importance of Clark taking a minimum of 15 shots per game to contribute effectively to the team. She highlighted the need for improved playmaking to create opportunities for Clark to score.

Despite Clark ranking 11th in the league for field goal attempts with 223 shots taken so far, her average of 11.7 attempts per game falls outside the top 15 players in the WNBA. In comparison, her teammate Kelsey Mitchell has attempted 245 shots, averaging 13.6 attempts per game.

Fans criticized both Clark's teammates and Sides for the lack of shots from the talented rookie. Some pointed out the impact of team dynamics on Clark's playing style, suggesting that her teammates' complaints have influenced her performance negatively.

Clark initially averaged 13.6 field goal attempts per game in the first nine games of the season, but the team only secured one victory during that period. Despite Indiana's improved record of 6-4 in the last 10 games, Clark's average shot attempts have decreased to just over 10 per game.

The situation calls for a resolution, yet Sides appears uncertain about the necessary changes to enhance Clark's performance on the court. The ongoing debate underscores the need for strategic adjustments to maximize Clark's potential and improve the team's overall gameplay.