Fever must make this obvious adjustment around Caitlin Clark ahead of Game 2

The Indiana Fever were dominated by the Connecticut Sun in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday afternoon. Caitlin Clark struggled after a wise adjustment by the Sun, and Connecticut could not miss in the 93-69 win. It is a best-of-3 series, so all the pressure is on Indiana ahead of Game 2 to keep their season alive.

The Fever will play better. They made just six of 28 3-point attempts in Game 1, and Clark finished with a lowly11 points. Indiana cannot play that bad again, but adjustments must be made. The Fever cannot just expect that shooting variance will sway the contest, especially on the road against a team they struggled against all season.

Clark needs to bounce back, despite her issues against the Sun this season. The Fever were outscored by 20 with their superstar on the floor, but head coach Christie Sides should make an obvious change, especially after one of her starters played just nine minutes in Game 1.

The Fever must bench NaLyssa Smith ahead of Game 2 versus Sun

Smith did not play awfully in the series opener, but she was barely on the floor. The 6’4 forward missed her only shot. She did manage to secure one rebound with one steal and one block in just nine minutes of action. Smith played six minutes in the first quarter and a slim three in the third.

There is no sense in starting her in a must-win game if the plan is to play the forward for fewer than ten minutes. Smith opened 37 regular season contests, but this is a must-win. The Fever cannot afford to waste a second. They must play whatever player gives them the best chance to win at all times.

Smith had a productive first two seasons in Indiana, but her play dropped off down the stretch in year three. The 24-year-old averaged just 8.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game after the Olympic break. Smith has struggled from beyond the arc and the free-throw line.

Much of it is confidence and playing the 6’4 forward nine minutes in a playoff game will not inject more. It is time for Sides to change things up and start Damiris Dantas. The 31-year-old played 24 minutes in Game 1 and is clearly the trusted option.

Smith is likely playing her final games with the Fever. She is under contract through the 2025 season, but her minutes and production have dipped. Indiana will be looking for a superior fit around Caitlin Clark and will likely leave Smith unprotected in the upcoming expansion draft.

Do not be surprised to see NaLyssa Smith averaging over 15 points per game next season. She is a talent, but clearly not the ideal fit with the Indiana Fever. Coach Sides must bench her ahead of Game 2 and do everything possible to win.

The Fever have a shot if they can return the series to Indiana, but it is a tall task. Making the right adjustments would do wonders, so stay tuned to see what the franchise does ahead of Wednesday’s Game 2.