Caitlin Clark initially had problems against the Las Vegas Aces, but then recovered
“Of course I would have liked to see a few more shots and a few more free throws made. But I think I was able to respond to that.”
INDIANAPOLIS — Everyone in the sold-out Gainbridge Fieldhouse … and on TV … and on the radio … and on social media knew who the Indiana Fever was supposed to make that game-winning shot. With 30 seconds left in regulation, the Fever trailed Las Vegas 75-72 and the ball was coming from the sideline across from their bench, so naturally the Fever wanted to see either Caitlin Clark or Kelsey Mitchell.
But as they broke the huddle, Aliyah Boston went to coach Christie Sides and asked if she should spread out in the corner.
“Be ready,” Sides replied, “because they are going to take the shooter away.”
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The confidence she expressed in the 2023 No. 1 overall pick both in that moment and after the 78-74 loss was, and is, crucial. While she’s not known for her 3-pointers – Boston had a 30% 3-point shooting percentage through Friday (32% in her career) – Sides recognizes the work her second-year star has put into improving that area of her game and wants her to have the confidence to make those shots.
Number 7 may not be the first, second, or even fourth option when the team needs a three-point shot, but she has to be ready if and when those moments come.
Case in point: The ball made its way to Boston on Friday and she was ready to fire it.
A play designed for Clark and Mitchell, Sides said the Aces had a pin-and-hammer action against Clark on the weak side. After the ball entered Boston and regained possession, Lexie Hull passed it to Mitchell on the other wing.
As expected, Mitchell was immediately harassed by Alysha Clark. Denied the chance to make a potential three-pointer to tie the game, Mitchell dribbled around her defender and toward the basket, where A’Ja Wilson was waiting for her in the crease. Instead of forcing a shot or provoking a foul, Mitchell threw the ball into the corner, where Boston had retreated and was completely free.
“They’re going to take something away, so you just have to be ready,” Sides said. “And ‘AB’ did it. It was a great shot. It went in and out. That was a great shot.”
It was a great performance and the 6-5 forward made a good shot. But the ball bounced back and forth and landed with an Aces player under the basket. The Fever have to get the ball to their stars in situations like this, but they can live with the performance Boston had in the final minute.
“This girl has really worked hard on that part of her game,” Sides said. “I have a lot of confidence in her to make that shot.”
“Teams are going to scheme against Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell. They’re going to do anything to get someone else to shoot the 3, so it’s all on us,” she continued. “We have to find a way to get the ball in their hands and let them shoot it, but I was so happy with Aliyah Boston’s totally free 3 right there.”
Follow Brian Haenchen on Twitter at @Brian_Haenchen.
