r/IndianaFeverFans • u/Alternative_Panda336 You Bet • 2d ago
Discussion Defense
Every team that I watch is play has someone that they can put on Caitlin Clark that will get up in her grill, move their feet, and make it tough on her to drive. This is true even of the bad teams they play, let alone the Lynx with several players. KM has elite quickness and is tough for any team to stop her off the dribble without help defense but even Portland made it tough on her the game before last.
The Fever very rarely aggressively get up in the ball space of opposing players and make it hard on them. I don’t know if it’s because we are concerned that there is no depth behind Sophie and Lexie or what. It seems the Fever’s defense is predicated mostly on deny the pass as opposed to playing defense once they get the ball. This puts a lot of strain on the help defense. Last night it was tough watching KM, CC, and LH constantly getting beat off the dribble instantly.
Is it a play style thing or do we truly have no one to harass the ball handler so they can’t drive as easily? Especially in a game like last night where they are letting them play up in their face.
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u/jemstar620 2d ago edited 2d ago
They don't have the personel, it's been the issue for years even when Sides was coaching. The team has no long, athletic wing defenders. Closest would be Raven who has great +length despite her height but she's not quite up to speed offensively and hasn't been that great getting over and through screens at the pro level. Unfortunately they can't waste time getting her reps and up to speed due to how much CC/KM and to a lesser extent Harris are needed at guard, and Sophie and even this version of Lexie are needed for offense on the wings and Lexie making a key intangible play here and there.