“I’m excited, I feel like the energy around our group is really good,” Clark expressed in a pre-game media conference. Everyone was eager for her to deliver in-game, but right then, the attention shifted. The focus was suddenly on Aliyah Boston. What happened all of a sudden? Well, it was a foul call. But not just any foul call!

Just 48 seconds into the game, Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides challenged an early foul on Boston, who was attempting to corral a rebound. It was likely the earliest challenge in the league’s playoff history. “You shouldn’t have to use your challenge just to get the call on the right player,” remarked Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Ruocco calling the game. What else would you expect? Since she was the only one challenging, she stepped in for the players and took a technical to protect Boston.

But this time, it wasn’t Sides at fault. At first, a phantom foul was called on Boston, prompting Sides to use her challenge. Then came a second foul less than a minute later when Clark was hit right in the face. Later, with 2:25 remaining in the first quarter, in light of poor calls from the officials, Sides picked up a technical for showing her emotions after Lexie Hull was deemed out of bounds.

https://x.com/CClarkReport/status/1837936413989306862

As expected, the coach was frustrated to such an extent that veteran guard Erica Wheeler had to hold her back to prevent her from picking up another technical foul, which would have resulted in her ejection from the game. You might be surprised, but the Fever aren’t. Right before stepping onto the court, they knew going up against the No. 1 defensive team wouldn’t be an easy feat, and that’s exactly what they’re witnessing now.

Despite a lack of experience, Sides is leading Fever.

Sides is currently in her second season with the Fever and, like the majority of her roster, is making her debut as a playoff head coach. Some might call this a lack of experience, but she is the one leading Indiana to their first postseason appearance in the last eight years. The last time the Fever’s roster claimed a berth was during 2016, the final year of Tamika Catchings with the team.

Fast forward to 2024, the Indy franchise earned their spot after stepping up their game after the Olympic break. During that time, Clark and Kelsey Mitchell were lights out on offense. Even at the conclusion of the regular season, they ended up being the two highest-scoring players in franchise history for a regular season.

During the game on September 22nd against the Sun, the “dynamic duo” seemed unstoppable. By the end of the first half, they had a combined 14 points, with Mitchell leading with 11 illustrious points, while Clark had a bit lower at three points. However, the entire second half remained. As Clark is known for gaining momentum over time, so it’s highly possible that she will make a comeback. Which she slowly and steadily is doing. But seeing Sides take one for the team from the sidelines is just on example of how this squad is gelling and making sacrifices for each other.