Christie Sides, the Indiana Fever’s coach, is taking full use of the WNBA’s Olympic break to improve her team’s performance and establish stronger team camaraderie. With 11 of 12 players still in town, Sides sees this as an important opportunity for the team to drill together and adopt new strategies.
“The time that we’re going to get to spend, that will help chemistry-wise,” Sides remarked, according to Stephen Hunt of The Spokesman Review. “This is when they will be able to train and spend time together other than on the road. So, they will have some time. In addition, we’ll have the opportunity to do things differently. We’ll have enough time to implement fresh ideas. We’ll have time to modify and add stuff, which is exciting because we know what we have and what we can do.”
Kristy Wallace, the Fever’s only absentee during the break, will be representing Australia at the Olympic Games. This leaves a core group, including standout rookie Caitlin Clark, to work on improving their game and implementing new strategies.
This season’s journey for the Fever has been a monument to their resilience. Starting with a 1-8 record, the team has turned things around, moving 10-7 to 11-15 entering the Olympic break. The progress has sparked dreams of reaching the playoffs, which were last accomplished in 2016.
“Resiliency is the word to describe how the team has evolved,” Sides told reporters. “What these players went through from 1-8, facing the greatest teams in the league, early back-to-backs, was simply awful. It was difficult for them as well as for all of us because of the expectations, which was yet another game changer. They just kept showing up. They continued to show up, striving to improve even when we couldn’t practice because it was on film. I am extremely proud of their resilience.”
Indiana Fever gains new attention.
Indiana Fever guards Lexie Hull (10) and Erica Wheeler (17) join hands during a Juneteenth celebration. The Indiana Fever defeated the Washington Mystics 88-81.
For Lexie Hull, the Olympic break comes at a time when she is having a season similar to her rookie year in 2022. Hull has appeared in 20 games this season, starting one and coming off the bench in the majority of them.
“Yeah, this is a long season. “The games go up and down,” Hull stated ahead of the Fever’s final game before the break against Dallas on July 17. “We’re either playing well or not playing well, so it’s all about figuring out where you can have an effect and remaining as prepared as possible. I feel like that is what I’ve been doing all season, trying to be as prepared as possible.”
Clark’s selection first overall in the WNBA draft has brought substantial attention to the Fever, resulting in sellout crowds and a carnival-like atmosphere at games. Hull values the support and enthusiasm it provides to the team.
“It’s all extremely thrilling. “Playing in sold-out arenas pretty much every game is really cool,” Hull explained. “It’s great for the sport and our squad. We’re a young team that’s still developing, so being able to establish and thrive in such an environment is truly unique.”
During the vacation, Hull and Clark intend to rest in Mexico before returning to practice. Hull looks forward to her downtime and values the friendship she has formed with Clark.
“She’s a wonderful person and an excellent player. “It’s fun getting to know her outside of basketball,” Hull added. “She’ll be joining me in Mexico. It will be a nice vacation for us.”
