"Freedom of movement needs to be looked at" - Fever coach takes subtle shot at Aces for roughing Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell

Christie Sides had some things to get off her chest ahead of the second duel between her Indiana Fever and the Las Vegas Aces on Friday. The coach was inquired about the physicality of the first game the Aces won 86-75 on Wednesday.

She said the game was very physical and the officials let both teams play, but also noted that the Aces defenders were a little too rough on the Fever's star duo, Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.

"That game was so physical the other night, I think they let us play a lot. I do think there were some Caitlin [Clark] and Kelsey [Mitchell] were constantly being-- I think the freedom of movement needs to be looked at, but I think they were guarding a little harder than they needed," she explained.

Sides talked about how they prepared for this game and the rest of the duels they'll have until the postseason starts.

"We talked about that, but yeah, this is playoffs basketball and they're one of the best teams in the league, so they were very physical, but we will adjust to that and handle that and also be aggressive back," Sides added.

The Fever have struggled to get things going against two teams this season, first the Minnesota Lynx, which have one of the best defensive units in the league, and then the Aces, a team they're yet to beat this campaign.

Friday night's game will give them their last chance to make the adjustments.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark broke down her adjustments to beat Aces' physical play

While A'ja Wilson was on a tear on Wednesday, Caitlin Clark was the complete opposite, struggling to make an impact on offense. Speaking to reporters after the game, Clark explained what she could do to get ahead of physicality:

“The offensive fouls are definitely surprising at times. I do feel like I get held and get quite a bit of contact throughout the game… it is what it is… I can use my quickness a little bit better.”

The Fever has defeated every team in the WNBA but one. They'll have the chance to take down A'ja Wilson tonight and get a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the big party. Indiana went from 1-9 to the sixth seed in the league and has a chance to further improve the record.