Fever Coach Christie Sides Justifies Big Lineup Change With Nine Words

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Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever will take on Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty for the fourth and final time of the 2024 WNBA season on Saturday. The Fever are still looking for their first win over New York.

In their previous game against the Las Vegas Aces, Fever coach Christie Sides made a significant change to the lineup. Forward Katie Lou Samuelson was put in the starting lineup, moving guard Kristy Wallace to the bench.

Before their game against the Liberty, Sides spoke on the lineup change, justifying the decision to start Samuelson with nine words: “I’ve been thinking about doing it for a while.”

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides talks with guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the second half of a basketball game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena.

© Kamil Krzaczynski—USA TODAY Sports

“Yeah, I’ve been thinking about doing it for a while. With Temi (Fagbenle) being out, (Samuelson) was so big for us to be able to come in for NaLyssa Smith and Aliyah Boston as well. Just kind of gave her the opportunity in the Phoenix game. Had a lot of minutes at the three,” Sides said.

Samuelson played key minutes down the stretch against the Phoenix Mercury. She helped the team go on a 25-9 run in the second half, which secured the Fever the win.

Sides continued, “Just her size kind of changes some things, gives you some different options. Also, with rebounding. She’s just a vet and a pro. Doesn’t get rattled easy. I just really like that about her, especially in the Phoenix game.”

Samuelson played in college for the UConn Huskies. She was drafted in 2019 and is in her first season with the Fever. In 21 games this year, she is averaging 5.2 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.

Wallace is in her second season with Indiana. She has similar stats to Samuelson in 2024, recording 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.