The Indiana Fever traveled to the West Coast this week to start a three-game road trip to take on some of the league's best teams. Just when they began to find their rhythm, led by the powerful force of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, they were tested against veteran-dominated teams.
Clark's growth as a player is evident, particularly in her playmaking skills. Over the past two games, she has amassed an impressive total of 19 assists, showcasing her ability to create scoring opportunities. Her evolution as a player, especially in her playmaking, is a testament to her potential. However, head coach Christie Sides is eager to see her take more shots.
This continues the ongoing saga between Sides and Clark, referring to the coaching of the young rookie this season. When Sides was asked about Clark's recent performances, she admitted she would like to see her be more assertive offensively, when at the same time, many seem to think that she isn't setting up Clark for those opportunities.
“Caitlin Clark needs to shoot a minimum of 15 shots a game for us,” Sides said. “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.”
With Sides saying this, Clark is leading all WNBA rookies in scoring with 16.2 points per game.
June 28: Indiana at Seattle Storm
89-77 Storm
Seattle was all over Indiana on every inch of the court. They led by as many as 19 points in the second quarter, and the Fever could not find a way to come back. Specifically, Jewell Loyd stood out for the Storm, scoring a season-high 34 points and 23 coming in the first half.
Loyd made five 3-pointers in the first 20 minutes, and she even missed nearly five minutes of the half after getting hit accidentally around the left eye late in the first quarter. But at the end of the game, she finished with six 3-pointers and made 10 of 15 shots overall. It was her second game this season with at least 30 points, both of which came against Indiana.
For the second time in five weeks, Climate Pledge Arena was sold out for a visit from the Fever, with more than 18,000 in attendance for the game. And for another time, Seattle made the night hard for Clark.
Clark finished with 15 points in just over 38 minutes of play. She recorded six rebounds and seven assists while making history by becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to record at least 300 total points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists. Although her turnover struggles arose again after she handled the ball better, she had a total of six turnovers, mainly due to miscommunications between teammates.
Ezi Magbegor added 18 points, and Nneka Ogwumike scored 15 points and 11 rebounds for Seattle. Skylar Diggins-Smith only had eight points but dropped nine assists. All around, Seattle was playing stronger than Indiana.
For Indiana, Erica Wheeler also scored 15 points, and Kelsey Mitchell finished with 14. Boston finished with yet another double-double, with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
After winning four straight games, the Fever had then dropped two consecutive contests.
June 30: Indiana at Phoenix Mercury
88-82 Fever
The first-ever on-court match-up against future Hall of Famer Diana Taurasi did not disappoint. Taurasi, 42, is the WNBA all-time leading scorer in her 20th season in the league. She was a student at UConn when Clark was born. Before the game, Clark praised Taurasi, saying she was one of her idols growing up.
The Mercury jumped quickly to an 8-0 lead and was ahead by 11 at halftime. The duo of Britney Griner and Taurasi each had 13 points, and the Mercury quickly dominated Indiana on offense. Indiana had trailed by as many as 15 in the first half.
It was a very physical game. Two skirmishes occurred during the first half, both during deadball situations. Five players were assessed technical fouls throughout the game, leading to many different play reviews.
Despite being down for most of the game, Indiana fought its way back. Clark was just 4 of 14 from the field, but she made a big pair of free throws with 19.9 seconds to play to put the Fever up three.
In a game in which Clark entered not feeling well and then reportedly dealt with a migraine, she was one rebound shy of becoming the first WNBA rookie to record a triple-double. During the rally, she had 15 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds.
Mitchell was Indiana's difference maker, scoring 16 points in the second half. Her biggest basket was with 35 seconds left in the game, which gave the Fever the lead for good. She then made two free throws with 12.9 seconds left to seal the game officially.
Boston had 17 points and eight rebounds, and NaLyssa Smith had 12 points and 15 rebounds. Temi Fagbenle also contributed 10 points for Indiana.
Griner ended with 24 points for Phoenix, Taurasi had 19 points and Natasha Cloud finished with 15. Kahleah Copper entered the game with the third-best points per game in the WNBA but was only seven points on 3-for-15 shooting. Copper's primary responsibility was guarding Clark.
This was Indiana's first win against a team above .500, marking another big step in the right direction for the organization. The Fever now closed out June with a record of 7-4, compared to going 1-8 in May.
Next up for the Fever is the final game of the road trip as they travel to Las Vegas to play against the Aces on Tuesday.
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