“Coming in hot”: Caitlin Clark discusses Indiana Fever’s surging confidence as playoffs loom

The Indiana Fever secured a morale-boosting 100-81 road victory over their Eastern Conference rivals Chicago Sky on Friday. Continuing their hot streak, Caitlin Clark and Co. improved their season record to 16-16 after 32 games, moving up to sixth place in the league standings.

 

When asked about the team’s confidence following the statement win, Clark initially responded with a humorous remark. She then said accumulating victories is always beneficial for any team.

“Comin in hot, wow! Openin the door!” said Clark comically while responding to the reporter’s question.

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Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky Player Stats and Box Scores for Aug. 30 | 2024 WNBA Season

 

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“I feel like we are confident but that’s any team in this league when you are able to stack some wins. That’s everything. I think coming out of the break, we start with two big wins at home against Phoenix and Seattle. Then we go on the road and drop one. We knew Atlanta was a huge game for us and I though we played really well there,” she added.

Christie Sides’ squad has been on fire in the second half of the season, winning five of their last six games. This includes three victories against teams with records above .500.

 

WNBA: AUG 30 Indiana Fever at Chicago Sky - Source: Getty Caitlin Clark discusses Indiana Fever’s surging confidence as playoffs loom. 

Clark acknowledged that the team’s confidence is at an all-time high and also highlighted the mentality and approach of her teammates, including herself.

“I am just really proud of our group. We are approaching it day by day even though these games are so important, we are not looking that far down the stretch like what’s at the end of September or what’s in the middle of September. It’s what is in front of us today and we are approaching it like that and that’s how you build your confidence,” the Fever rookie said.

With eight games remaining in the regular season, the Fever will look to keep piling up wins and climbing the standings. Indiana’s next challenge comes on Sunday against the Dallas Wings.

Caitlin Clark is leading Indiana Fever’s charge

Caitlin Clark has spearheaded the Indiana Fever’s charge in a spectacular style. The 22-year-old sizzled with another phenomenal performance against Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky and consolidated her case for the Rookie of the Year award.

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Clark recorded a new career high in points (31) as she shot 8-of-14 from the field, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. The rookie registered 12 dimes and collected four rebounds.

The one-time WNBA All-Star is averaging 18.4 points, a league-leading 8.3 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game this season.

WNBA REMOVES Sheryl Swoopes From ANNOUNCE TEAM As Caitlin Clark & Indiana Fever Look For GET BACK.

Fever-Wings TV Broadcast Gets Shakeup Amid Sheryl Swoopes-Caitlin Clark Drama

 

Sheryl Swoopes’ disdain for Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark way have landed her in a bit of hot water.

The WNBA legend has been highly critical of the 22-year-old point guard all season long, and she recently drew the ire of several fans on social media after seemingly defending Chicago Sky guard Diamond DeShields after she fouled Clark hard from behind, knocking her to the floor.

And now, it seems Swoopes’ anti-Clark stance caused her to be removed from Sunday’s broadcast of the Fever-Dallas Wings matchup — a game in which she was supposed to serve as an analyst.

 

The Wings official website now lists Ron Thulin and Naismith Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman as the play-by-play and color commentators and ShaVonne Herndon as the sideline reporter.

Swoopes even seemed to confirm the news herself on X, replying “Not today Satan” to a user who commented saying she couldn’t wait to hear Swoopes’ announcing during Sunday’s game.

 

Sheryl Swoopes on-air silence on Caitlin Clark speaks volumes | MarcaSheryl Swoopes on-air silence on Caitlin Clark speaks volumes | Marca

 

Swoopes has been under fire for her constant criticism of Clark, even getting called out by the likes of Stephen A. Smith and a few other media pundits.

The six-time WNBA All-Star and four-time WNBA champion didn’t do herself any favors with her post-game comments about DeShields’ blatant targeting of Clark, seemingly endorsing players taking a run at the Rookie of the Year favorite.

“Diamond DeShields head up kid!” Swoopes tweeted after Friday’s 100-81 Fever win over the Sky. “Hate will not win!! You are covered and ain’t nothing these evil people can do about that. All love for you!”

Tipoff for the Fever and Wings matchup is Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.