Fans Lay Off Fever Coach Christie Sides After WNBA Announcement

The WNBA announced that Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve has been awarded the Coach and Executive of the Year for the 2024 season.

“Congrats to Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx for being named both the 2024 WNBA Coach of the Year and Basketball Executive of the Year. A true visionary on and off the court: leading, building, and WINNING,” the WNBA posted to social media on Sunday morning.

Upon the announcement, Indiana Fever beat writer Scott Agness mentioned that Fever coach Christie Sides received one vote for Coach of the Year.

Sides led the Fever to a 20-20 record in her second year as the head coach, a significant improvement from 2023 when Indiana finished with a 13-27 record.

Throughout the season, fans often voiced frustration with Sides, especially early in the season when rookie phenom Caitlin Clark struggled during her initial transition into the WNBA.

However, once Clark found her groove and went on to break all sorts of league records, Sides was able to guide Indiana to its first WNBA playoff appearance since 2016.

“Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx voted WNBA Coach and Executive of the Year for 2024,” wrote Agness, before revealing the vote count for the contestants. “She received 62 of 67 votes. NY’s Sandy Brondello received four, and Christie Sides one. Lin Dunn finished fifth for EOY.”

After the WNBA’s announcement, fans gave credit to Sides for her success.

“Christie Sides deserves more credit. Look at how the rest of the leagues’ players were media disasters – look at sky meltdown. Christie kept the team locked in on what matters and they balled. If she trusts her playmakers to make plays in crucial moments INDY will dominate.” said one fan.

“Interesting,” said another fan.

“Should’ve been 2nd place fr,” mentioned one fan.

“Congrats to Christie Sides for COTY vote. Always deserved it,” commented one fan.

“1 vote so disrespectful,” said one fan.

Throughout the season, Sides received backlash for her late-game decisions, whether that’s letting Kelsey Mitchell lead the offense, giving up a lofty lead with poor lineup adjustments, or extending minutes to players who had trouble contributing.

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides and guard Caitlin Clark (22)

Clark ended her rookie season averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game. Clark led the WNBA in average assists and led all rookies in average points.

Indiana’s young star was recently named the WNBA Rookie of the Year following the Fever’s first-round playoff exit against the Connecticut Sun.