For a second night in a row, the Fever left their fans in a frustrated state of mind. Despite the best efforts of their star rookie Caitlin Clark who ended up being Indiana’s game leader with her 15 points, the visitors couldn’t avoid a disappointing outcome. Following this, there have been questions raised about the game plans of head coach Christie Sides. Some particularly directed to the approach of their No.1 overall draft pick.

The recent loss compelled a lot of theories regarding how the Fever is handling its top asset at the moment. Seemingly, perhaps that is the reason why one reporter asked Sides to open up on whether or not Caitlin Clark is hesitant in taking more beyond-the-arc shots. “Caitlin Clark needs to shoot a minimum of 15 shots a game for us. She’s got to get shots, and we’ve got to do a better job of setting her up, setting some really good screens for her to get her open,” Sides said in the postgame media appearance.

Thursday evening resulted in Clark being 4-of-9 while shooting from the field. However, she was being her uncharacteristic self with just 7 three-point attempts out of which she was able to connect 3.

These comments come just days after Sides opined that Caitlin Clark needs to be more selfish in her long-range shot-making. As it turns out, in the game against Chicago, the 6-foot guard lacked in taking some 3-point risks in the penultimate quarter which proved costly in the end. Caitlin Clark was 5 of 9 from behind the arc in that game. Addressing it, Sides expressed, “I think sometimes she’s being a little too unselfish. I think she turns down some shots. I’d like her to take some shots that, when she comes off, she knows she has the green light.” 

Meanwhile, after witnessing the kind of criticism that Clark is facing as a rookie, one of her opponents extends some much-needed support to her.

Caitlin Clark receives some understanding from Jewell Loyd

The No.1 overall pick in the 2015 WNBA draft certainly knows a thing or two about the kind of adversity Clark’s in. After delivering a season-high 34 points, she cared to spare some thoughts on her current situation. Loyd said, “You’re picked No. 1 for a reason, right? They expect you to produce. Your job is to come out there and do your job. So there’s expectations and pressure you put on yourself, or from the fans and media. That’s just part of the game.” 

This is after WNBA and Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird opined a few days earlier that Clark has the “most pressure” ever for someone in her debut season. She also added that the weight of the WNBA is “on her shoulders”.Loyd’s comments however state that she is not the only one in this scenario.

Many would believe that times are indeed tough for Caitlin Clark. This amount of scrutiny in her rookie season is obviously starting to take a toll on her. Yet, fans would hope that it doesn’t affect her game in any way.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video