The Indiana Fever did not get off to the sturdy begin of the 2026 WNBA season that almost all followers and analysts have been hoping for.
They failed to shut out video games and dropped two of their first three video games of the season, together with their dwelling opener. That is why, even after getting over the hump and taking down the Seattle Storm 89-78 on Sunday night time, Caitlin Clark was removed from happy along with her workforce’s effort.
When requested about getting the primary win at Gainbridge Fieldhouse this season, the Iowa legend pointed to the workforce’s defensive woes as a serious concern.
Caitlin Clark needs Fever to play higher protection
“I assumed we performed with good tempo, I assumed we took good pictures,” Clark said postgame. “I don’t assume we fouled as a lot within the first quarter as we did the subsequent three quarters, in order that most likely helped us, most likely might have performed higher protection there, too. (We) performed higher protection within the second half, however thought we have been shifting the ball properly, thought we have been getting good pictures. We’re attending to the free throw line.”
Clark had one other sturdy outing on Sunday, dropping 21 factors on 10 pictures to go together with 10 assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and a few three-pointers. She additionally went an ideal 9-of-9 from the free-throw line.
The previous No. 1 decide has now strung back-to-back stable performances collectively after struggling along with her shot earlier within the season. Even so, the Fever are simply 2-2 for the 12 months and sitting on the tenth spot within the league, far under their preseason expectations.
There’s nonetheless loads of basketball to be performed, and it must be only a matter of time earlier than Stephanie White’s workforce will get it collectively. Nonetheless, they’re going to must tweak issues up on protection to attain that.