Fever Look to Force Game 3, Head Coach Sides Emphasizes Strong Start

Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides stresses the importance of a strong start in Game 2 against the Connecticut Sun, as they aim to force a decisive Game 3 and keep their playoff hopes alive.

**Uncasville, Conn.** - Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides knows that her team needs a strong start in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday night.

The Sun routed the Fever 93-69 in Game 1 on Sunday, but Sides is confident that her team can bounce back and force a decisive Game 3 in Indiana.

Fever Look to Force Game 3, Head Coach Sides Emphasizes Strong Start

"We need to come out and play with a lot of energy and intensity," Sides said. "We need to make sure that we're executing our game plan and that we're playing together as a team."

The Fever will need to be much more efficient offensively than they were in Game 1, when they shot just 36.5% from the field and 21.4% from three-point range.

Fever Look to Force Game 3, Head Coach Sides Emphasizes Strong Start

"We need to be more aggressive on the offensive end," Sides said. "We need to get the ball inside and take advantage of our size."

The Fever will also need to do a better job of defending the Sun's guards, who combined for 56 points in Game 1.

Fever Look to Force Game 3, Head Coach Sides Emphasizes Strong Start

"We need to make sure that we're putting pressure on the ball and that we're not allowing them to get easy shots," Sides said.

Sides is confident that her team can make the necessary adjustments and force a Game 3.

"I believe in this team," Sides said. "I know that we can go out there and play with the best of them. We just need to come out and play with a lot of heart and determination."

The Fever will also be looking to their star rookie, Caitlin Clark, to have a big game. Clark struggled in Game 1, scoring just 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting.

"I'm just focusing on the next opportunity," Clark said. "I know that I'm a good shooter, and I'm just going to keep shooting with confidence."

The Fever will need all hands on deck if they want to force a Game 3. They will need to play with a lot of energy and intensity, and they will need to execute their game plan. If they can do those things, they have a good chance of extending the series.

The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday night.