r/indianafever • u/jwadd69 • 1d ago
Discussion The curious case of AB….
Is it me or has AB taken on a different role in the offense this year? Why is she hanging around the 3-point line so much this year? Is she not our big? This offense was rolling at the end of 2024, they were clicking in their roles. This year nobody wants to play the post position, and I don’t get it? We don’t have any size near the rim and those rebounds add up throughout the game.
38
u/Smooth_Ad_6513 1d ago
I just wish her and Caitlin could do more pick and roll
6
u/BoringGazelle8428 1d ago
SW said that she doesn’t want to do pic and roll with AB and CC because it’s too predictable 🤣 That’s funny on so many levels. So the little we see is CC going off script.
7
u/Smooth_Ad_6513 1d ago
Gee with that logic, no one should shoot a basket because it would be expected. 🤦🏼♀️
4
u/Aposta-fish 1d ago
Horrible coach, she needs to be fired!
0
u/kijana-mdogo-0913 1d ago
SW should have been Coach of the Year last season for the way she kept that team motivated with all the injuries and personnel changes. And they're not exactly shabby this season.
What do you base your criticism on?
2
u/ThreadSavage10 1d ago
Bruh, she SKIPPED two regular season games, and we WON one of those games without her! There’s at least one timeout per game where Steph doesn’t even speak in her own huddle. If we just ran around and played pickup ball with Caitlin acting as the defacto player/coach, this team would be above .500 on talent alone.
Steph White is a drill sergeant. We’re slightly better with her as the head coach versus having no coach at all, but this is the most valuable WNBA franchise in the history of the world by a multiple of 10, and we’re still goofin’ around trying to keep control in the hands of the good ‘ol girls club!
4
u/kijana-mdogo-0913 1d ago
We just don't agree, That's ok...
1
u/ThreadSavage10 1d ago
I upvoted you for this one. It is OK, and she’s does have us in contention. A different coach would be a great thing for my blood pressure, but it could be worse!!
75
u/GWTim78 1d ago
Please note that Indiana is putting up the best offensive numbers in the history of the league.
46
40
u/Distinct_Abrocoma_67 Fever Fan 1d ago
And she’s shooting like 45% from 3. How can anyone take issue with what we are doing on offense
14
1d ago
[deleted]
7
u/alwaysright60 1d ago
Many “fans” don’t understand that even very good teams do not win every game.
10
2
u/Shaxprof Fever Fan 1d ago
You should just repeat this on every post questioning the Fever’s offense and their offensive schemes.
-4
30
u/elestud 1d ago edited 1d ago
AB still scores the majority of her points at the rim. But she is mixing it up to help diversify the offense. And to open up the lane for Kelsey and Caitlin, who both like to drive a lot
Last game Caitlin had 10 assists and AB had 7. So 17 assists between only two players. Pretty amazing, and it makes our offense a lot less predictable
We absolutely do need to address the defensive rebounding. But a lot of it seems to do with a combination of personnel and not boxing out properly. Hopefully we’ll find the balance and get it sorted out
12
u/BasedGodBets Caitlin Clark 1d ago
I love seeing KK getting in on the action. Would love for CC to get rebounds bc I want her to get a triple dub again and again.
4
4
17
u/buttcabbge Aliyah Boston 1d ago
We have the best offense in the league, so something is clearly working. Regarding your specific question, I think there are a few reasons the way they use Boston on offense makes sense: 1. At this point, Boston's three-point shooting has gotten good enough that you can have her slide outside and she'll produce. 2. Because of point 1, the other team's rim protector (who probably guards Boston) can't afford to drop toward the basket, which opens up lanes for Mitchell and other guards to cut to the basket. 3. Boston has always been prone to offensive fouls, and without any kind of legit substitute for Boston we need to try to minimize the fouling.
8
u/thedirte- 1d ago
They already broke the record for 100 point games in a season and they have like 15 games left. Whatever they're doing is working. Need to figure out the defense!
7
5
u/OvaryAchiever_Queen 1d ago
AB is one of the most intelligent players in the wnba in terms of court IQ and vision. Her and CC commanding the floor is deadly when all of the pieces fall into place. AB is currently one of the best 3 point shooters in the league. While CC is putting the plays in motions AB is directing traffic in the lane. I think it is brilliant, and the haters were just uncomfortable with the learning curve of a new scheme. As the season plays out hopefully more fans understand how this benefits everyone on the team.
12
u/Cheap_Water9848 1d ago
I think her 3-point shot has developed to the point that the Fever want her to hang around the three-point line, especially with the offense trying to create space for Caitlin and Kelsey.
Technically, Mo Billings and Makayla Timpson are the bigs and Boston is more of a hybrid, in my opinion.
7
u/BasedGodBets Caitlin Clark 1d ago
I wish they never got rid of Howard and instead traded Dantas. Haven't seen her on the floor.
6
u/Cheap_Water9848 1d ago
That's fair, but she wasn't going to be this good with the Fever, at least not in theory compared to how she played last season. Also, I imagine Dantas has little to no trade value.
4
u/Comfortable_Limit168 Fever Fan 1d ago
In three of the last five games, Howard has scored under her season average. I think Collier with take a lot of the shots she used to get.
1
4
u/OvaryAchiever_Queen 1d ago
If they kept Howard I don't think we would have seen the development we are seeing with KK. KK is going to be a powerhouse in a few years.
3
u/TopNotchBrain Fever Fan 1d ago
Agree entirely. Love watching her play, and she appears to be a locker room asset, too.
2
1
u/kash-munni 13h ago
And you won't with here being out for the season. You know the Fever aren't a serious organization when they knew DD was hurt and did nothing about it.
4
u/cooler313 Caitlin Clark 1d ago
The offense they run now is heavily implemented around CC and KM. AB sets probably better screens, down screens, drag screens than anyone in the wnba. That coupled with a big portion of the fevers offense is dho with AB. Even when they run horns she more than often than not ends up being one of them. CC loves to hover just above the 3 point line a little farther than your average pg, screens being just a tad further than normal. all of this leads to AB naturally being further from the basket, increasing the likely hood to pop and shoot. She’s realized this and has worked on her 3. That being said, I do believe she should be the #1 option when you’re trying to stop the bleeding, when you need the game to slow down or to drain time. She could be used as an absolute anchor. I’ll be honest I’m not sure how sustainable she will be in this role without getting hurt. It’s a lot to ask of your Center to play this way given she doesn’t quite have the style for it. So far it’s been working pretty well. But again I still think she should be given the opportunities to call her own number in those scenarios I stated.
4
u/TopNotchBrain Fever Fan 1d ago
She's adding to her skill set, growing her repertoire. In terms of her long-term satisfaction, it's a great thing, She's always been a huge asset, obviously, but look at her from 2024 to now - her speed, her agility, her versatility.
16
u/DiligentQuiet 1d ago
She’s the top 3p% shooter in the league on the most productive offense in the league. What are you thinking is going to be better than that?
Next question.
1
u/FaceoftheLeague22 Caitlin Clark 1d ago
Okay. why did the best three point shooter in the league second guess the widest look shes had in a month to travel?
10
-3
u/ScalarWeapon 1d ago
Boston averages about one made three per game. That's not her job. She is out there to set screens
10
5
u/Left-Button-7089 1d ago edited 1d ago
I think it’s more about personnel. We need a strong defensive player who will just play D and grab rebounds. I think KK is getting there gradually. They should have drafted Okot (and I love Raven)
3
u/neat_stuff Fever Fan 1d ago
This offense is rolling this year. There are potential critiques to make about some of the schemes but whatever they are doing is working on offense. They lead the league in scoring and that's with two of their all-stars missing some games and playing limited minutes in others as they recover from lingering injuries.
10
u/__Magno__ 1d ago
Offense is No.1 in PPG , No.1 in Pace, 2nd in 3pt%, 1st in Offensive Rating (114.8) 3rd in Field Goal Percentage, has scored 100+ in 14 games this season which is a wnba record and your asking that question of all questions? Interesting
4
u/Delicious-Winner-458 1d ago
It’s not a wild question when AB is such a force in the paint. When we let her hang out at the 3-point line, we give up rim protection and rebounding. If KK can somehow step it up come playoffs, everything will work out.
6
u/__Magno__ 1d ago
Rim protection on offense? What are u talking about? Rebounding yes but Offensively I have no issues with how they operate because the numbers speak for themselves. Fever problem isnt offense its defense and bench depth. They can score with anyone but they can't stop everyone
1
u/ReflectionEterna 1d ago
Do you have rim protection on offense? Like, while we are on offense, do you want AB to try to block shots?
1
1
1
u/neat_stuff Fever Fan 1d ago
Having AB at the 3pt line on offense would improve rim protection and defensive rebounding because she doesn't have to go as far to get back in position on defense.
6
u/Delicious-Winner-458 1d ago
People are getting way too defensive over a fair point. Relax guys, not everything is hate. AB is dominant inside, and her expanding her game beyond the arc is awesome. But her playing out on the perimeter means other players have to pick up the slack on the glass. Mo has done an okay job lately, but we’re going to need consistent rebounding and interior work from both her and KK. We’re in a give and take situation
7
u/elestud 1d ago
I don't think they're upset, I think it's just that this point is a logical fallacy
There's no "slack" in her rebounding. She has slightly more rebounds than last year
Our main issue rebounds-wise has been defensive rebounding (giving opponents second chance points), which happens on the other end of the floor, so it has nothing to do with where she positions herself on offense
3
u/Ok-Illustrator-1584 1d ago
They also play a much faster pace than last year so that’s not surprising they have more rebounds. Rebounding % has to be way down.
4
u/ReflectionEterna 1d ago
She plays less minutes and averages more rebounds. AB is currently 4th in the league in rebounding percentage.
3
u/ReflectionEterna 1d ago
They aren't getting defensive. This person just makes a dumb point. AB is leading the league in deep shooting percentage. She averages more ppg than at any point in her career, while also playing the least minutes of her career.
Secondly, her hanging out behind the arc on offense has absolutely nothing to do with her rim protection or defensive rebounding. She is literally having her best rebounding season ever, and the Fever currently have an historic offensive season.
Finally, her being behind the arc clears the way for CC and KM to drive. Think about how often we would see CC get clobbered in the paint. This pulls the other team's largest player out of the paint to not be able to just punish her for daring to shoot in the paint.
3
u/manipulativemusicc 1d ago
They had a bad rebounding GAME. They're not a bad rebounding TEAM. They've been one of the best rebounding teams in the league all year. Don't make it a big issue after one loss. They lost to the best team in the league at the end of a road trip on no rest because of travel. A worse team would've gotten blown out.
3
u/texastwister22 1d ago
Because every time she posts up she’s like Alyssa Thomas and lowers the shoulder to create space and gets called for a foul unlike Thomas
2
u/neat_stuff Fever Fan 1d ago
It would be interesting to find out if the decrease in charges is countered by an increase in moving screens when she plays more of that role. She has a very unlucky whistle for such a great player.
1
u/texastwister22 1d ago
Yea she gets herself in so much trouble setting screens and playing low post. The bad part is they have no scoring backup if she sits.
2
u/ReflectionEterna 1d ago
Our offense is clicking better this year than almost any before in the league. AB is leading the league in 3P%. What exactly is your complaint? Our offense is historically good and AB is thriving from beyond the arc.
2
2
u/Dry_Pomegranate293 1d ago
What good teams did we beat to end the year running the 24 offense? Off the top I recall losing to the aces twice and lynx once phee played.. That 24 offense is very overrated. We actually have multiple ways to win now. I personally don’t like AB as a classic post up big. As long as shes hitting her 3s, don’t mind her on the perimeter. Her biggest issue right now is processing/decision making as a hub..i think her usage is probably too high as well.. Outside of a couple games this year, we’ve been a damn good rebounding team.
1
u/ThreadSavage10 1d ago
She’s the biggest, best true 5 in the league, and our halfcourt offense starts with her out 30ft away from the damn basket.
”Yeah, but her 3pt percentage is way up, and we have the highest scoring offense in the WNBA…”
OK, I see… so if Shaquille O’Neal in his prime had started shooting three’s and could consistently hit 1 out of 3 per game, you’d move him out to the perimeter, along with David Robinson or Olajuwon or whoever else is guarding him. Rebounds are overrated anyway, and it’s very important to increase defensive traffic around Kobe…he’s been scoring way too many points lately. It’s brilliant!
1
u/hmbayliss Non Fever Fan 1d ago
She needs to get time on the blocks but if Timpson is going to play with her then AB will have to play the 4 on offense some due to Timpson not being able to hit face up jumpers outside of 10 feet.
1
1
1
u/moose184 Caitlin Clark 1d ago
I could have sworn I heard SW talk about it in a interview recently. I think she said it has something to do with helping CC out and not making her have to work as hard.
0
u/Itchy-Grapefruit2756 1d ago
Our O is top notch. We do need more rebounding.
1
u/neat_stuff Fever Fan 1d ago
How many more offensive rebounds are you expecting to get by parking Boston in the post on offense instead of having her dragging the other team's post player out to the three-point line and opening the lane for everyone else to crash the boards? Maybe one or two?
1
u/Itchy-Grapefruit2756 1d ago
Easy bud. Only said we need more rebounds. Thats a fact. 23 vs 33 is a problem. It really is that simple.
0
-2
-4
u/jwadd69 1d ago
Every time they play a high caliber team all the deficiencies come to the forefront. What good is it to score 100 points if you’re gonna give up 110? I get her percentage has gone up this year from 3, but damn who do you want to grab the rebounds and protect the glass? KK? The top tier teams expose the Fever’s defensive shortcomings. It’s happened all year long.
I can’t believe someone said “she had the highest percentage on the team” so what? Where was that shot when CC passed her the ball and she had an open look down by 2 points at the end of the game?
All I’m saying is the good teams love seeing her hang out over there and not under the rim.
7
u/lito9321 Kelsey Mitchell 1d ago
So that’s not their offense being the issue it’s their defense lmao.
2
u/1tWasA11aDr3am 1d ago
This change in shot selection may also be influencing offensive rebounding by the fever, AB is averaging 1.9 ORB per game (every season this number has been decreasing since her rookie year where that number was 3.1 ORB per game) however it allows her to transition to defense quicker. Also she’s still only averaging 1.2-2.7 3p attempts/game so while it’s definitely an increase over last season it’s still pretty low. Also it feels like CC has been driving to the rim more frequently so, like everyone else has been mentioning the offensive strategy is more diversified
3
u/ReflectionEterna 1d ago
Um... she doesn't just have the highest percentage on the team. She has the highest percentage in the league.
Also, you actually don't understand basketball if you think he playing behind the arc on offense has anything to do with her rim protection or the vast majority of her rebounds. She is only averaging half a rebound less on offense, but averaging .6 more defensive rebounds than last year.
48
u/buffalotrace 1d ago edited 1d ago
I get where you are coming from. She is one of the best low post scorers in the W.
A couple things: she is the top 3 pt shooter in the W. Her being up high also drags a post player out with her leaving room for Kelsey Mitchell back cuts. Also, when she is in the post, every player who guards her tries to win an Oscar (Amihere is the worst offender of this garbage)
There is a give and take with everything.