After playoff exit, would it be harsh for the Indiana Fever to fire Christie Sides?

Sports can be cruel, with changes coming regularly throughout a season to give a team the best possible chance of winning an ultimate prize.

The spotlight has shone brightly on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever this season, as well as head coach Christie Sides, who could not lead her team to glory.

The Indiana Fever were unceremoniously swept out of the playoffs by the Connecticut Sun. As WNBA fans look ahead to next season, the focus shifts to how the Fever can improve.

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This involves looking at how the roster can be bolstered, and if the coaching staff needs tweaking. Some have called for Christie Sides to be let go after a disappointing end to the season, and the suggestion does make sense.

This has been a persistent narrative down the stretch of the WNBA season, especially as star player Caitlin Clark had trouble controlling her emotions.

Sports Illustrated reports that Clark entered a regular season game against the Dallas Wings on six technical fouls, having picked up one for smacking a basket's stanchion out of frustration upon receiving a foul call. Everyone knew that Clark was on thin ice heading into this game.

A seventh technical would have resulted in Clark missing the season finale against Washington before the playoffs, and she was able to avoid it despite nearly losing her temper at a foul call in the first half against the Wings.

Teammate Aliyah Boston forcefully pushed Clark away, subsequently stopping her from picking up a seventh tech. Fever reporter Scott Agness called out head coach Christie Sides for not stepping in and defending her star player.

Agness said on X: "Aliyah Boston forcefully moved Caitlin Clark away from the officials after arguing a call against her. She has six this season, so one more, and she's suspended for the regular-season finale. That's where Christie Sides has to speak up for CC since she cannot."

Clark was removed from the game after that foul, and fans expressed their disappointment in Sides' handling of the situation, particularly in removing her from the game.

According to Athlon Sports, one fan said, "This. Christie Sides has got to learn to SPEAK UPPPP. Becky Hammon sometimes does too much, but those players KNOW their coach has their back. They don't have to speak up because she's got it. The Fever is missing that."

Another fan replied, "Fire Christie Sides," and another said, "#FireSides." A third fan expressed her frustration: "Can you call her out in the presser??? It's ridiculous at this point. She NEVER speaks up for her players."

Given the outbursts that Clark has been prone to, and Sides' seeming inability to curtail them, it's fair to wonder whether the coach will be long for the Fever sidelines. With perhaps the WNBA's brightest star on their team, Indiana should not hesitate to look for an upgrade on the bench sooner rather than later.

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