Christie Sides’ Stern Message to Caitlin Clark After Early Foul Trouble in WNBA Debut

Caitlin Clark’s WNBA debut didn’t go as planned. The No. 1 overall pick and former Iowa Hawkeyes superstar went scoreless in the first quarter after picking up two quick fouls.

The major concern about Clark’s game coming out of college is her defense. Clark’s offensive game is lethal, and she’s expected to be one of the top scorers in the WNBA, despite it only being her rookie season. But it might not matter how much she scores if opponents are scoring on her at will.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) returns the ball vs. Connecticut Sun guard Tyasha Harris (52) in the first quarter at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Major Caitlin Clark Concern Emerges Just Minutes Into WNBA Debut

That manifested itself Tuesday night during Clark’s WNBA debut, as she picked up two quick fouls in the first quarter without scoring a single point. The Fever struggled offensively without her, trailing 19-13 after the opening frame.

At the start of the second quarter, ESPN2 interviewed Fever head coach Christie Sides. Sides immediately acknowledged her team’s defensive effort. Fans believe she was specifically referring to Clark’s defensive struggles and early foul trouble.

“We’re fouling way too much,” Sides said after the first quarter of Fever-Sun. “We’re making silly fouls. We’re putting them on the line.

“… We gotta make sure we’re locking down, staying disciplined on defense.”

Indiana Fever Christie Sides talks to the referee after a foul Thursday, May 9, 2024, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Atlanta Dream, 83-80.

She has a point. The Indiana Fever aren’t going to stand much of a chance if Clark is sitting on the bench for most of the game. She has to stay out of foul trouble, even if it leads to her giving up a few buckets.

Clark is too talented an offensive player to have to play through foul trouble.

The Sun, meanwhile, clearly came prepared to play. They played tough, physical defense against the rookie Clark, and it definitely seemed to make an impact. Clark will have to adjust as the season goes on.

Sides gave real detail on what she believes needs to be adjusted in Clark’s game for the Fever to succeed this season.

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