Caitlin won’t allow it. She knows the fans spent a lot of money and drove long distances to see her play. She will play most of the game. She may get more rest than normal, but she is playing the whole game.
@@Beau_Toxx Katie Lou just had a baby, and it takes time to recover from that. I would expect that if she continues to work hard, she could be good to go next year.
Exactly. They already tryed a long stretch without Mitchell last game. Pretty sure they will do the same with CC this game. Maybe play her 30 minutes, not her normal 37.
During an interview before their last home game against Dallas, Caitlin said when asked about it.."it would be really sad for the fans of Washington if I get a technical on this game that would suspend me for the next game." She knows she's the reason why that game is a sell out, she knows she's the main attraction, and she knows people (her fans or not) pay a lot of money just to see her play. It's not on her DNA to sit and rest..she will play//
She’s 22 … she needs to play. It’s a young team, they need to play. They haven’t played since Sunday, if they rest the 3 stars that means they will be going almost a week without playing. They’ve already had plenty of rest before this game. I’d much rather them roll into the Playoffs with a “light sweat” than go in cold having not played for a week. Also, the team hasn’t finished the regular season with a winning record since 2015. The game won’t impact the post season but a winning record would be a great thing for the Franchise.
@@kennysingletary4490 Sure, an injury could happen in practice too (granted less likely). I think it's far more likely the young stars come out flat if they go a week without playing than one of them getting injured in the game tonight. That's exactly what we saw from them against the Lynx when the Fever were on fire, then had 4 days off, and then played like shit for the first half of that game. I wouldn't play them the normal 35-ish minutes, but I'd play them half that and wouldn't hestitate to get them out if the game gets chippy, but I'd still play them. Winning or losing may be meaningless tonight, but I don't think some time on the court in a game setting right before the playoffs is meaningless for this team with regard to getting off to a good start against the Sun.
@@kennysingletary4490 No they were not, they didn't get flat until they had almost a week off! Different situation though. They were coming of the most grueling schedule in the WNBA and obviously Clark needed the time off. Sitting them out of fear of injury makes sense, I just think they will have a better chance of starting out strong against the Sun if they get on the court tonight to get any kinks from the longer break out in a meaningless game than in one that matter.
Hull, KM and CC have all stated that they don't have any issues playing a full game. This team still has things they need to be working on right up to their first playoff game. Having said that I do think that everyone needs minutes. The fever should do a lot of rotations. It is just as important that the bench is ready for the playoffs as it is for the starters. Please God give Temi more minutes! Sheesh!
Love the analysis. But the Fever have one very big thing to play for tonight. A WINNING SEASON. If they lose, they’re 20-20. So losing merely gives them a NOT losing season. But win and they go 21-19, which is a huge thing. The Fever are not favored against the Lynx and I’d love to see that upset. But a winning season is a big deal, so there’s that! Just my two cents. 😊
A winning season? U do realize they started 1-8 right, most of those games were vs teams rank 1-5 at he end of this season? 20-20 is fine. Playoffs first time in 8 years. Fever are like top 3 since the break. Getting win #21 on the year will do nothing but increase the risk of injuries. They locked up 6th seed
@@DeeEmm-r4u Winning season is a way bigger deal. So let’s think it through. Let’s say they lose by throwing the game as you suggest. NOT a winning season after starting 1-8. Then they lose in the first round. Made the playoffs, got booted. That’s a good season. But what if they WIN this game and lose out in the first round. Playoffs AND winning season. Huge. The only way throwing this game works is if they go deep (at least winning the first round) which is highly implausible. They are most likely to lose in the first round without CC (if, forbid it, CC was injured) or with her at 100%. But a winning season is forever. 20-20 is, as you say, “fine.” But these are professionals and it’s not a winning season and would not be “fine” with me! Just to be fair, playing their first team also doesn’t guarantee they win this game, but it’s likely the only way.
The game does have meaning for the Fever as it is the difference between a winning season or not. Above 0.500 is a winning season. 0.500 is not. They have not had a winning season since 2015. That in itself is a morale booster going into the playoffs.
Exactly. It is a difference of just one win, but psychologically it is hugely meaningful if they finish over .500 versus exactly .500. So yes, I think this game is meaningful to the Fever.
im hoping for 25 shots min for 35+ points for CC. i actually having more guards and fewer bigs, increase the pace will increase the scoring. boston getting spelled by temi. and sometimes temi w AB.
She's not just an athlete, she's considered an entertainer. It would be a disservice to all the people who already have tickets to the game and people watching at home to sit her out. Also, you don't put Baby in the corner, you don't put Clark on the bench.
For health concerns, I really hope the Fever and Clark don't take this game personally because of what Sykes said on Twitter months ago. This is a completely meaningless game to the Fever while the Mystics are playing for their season. I expect this to be a physical game for the Mystics and as we've seen multiple times in the past, players who have made comments similar to what Sykes are not afraid of committing hard and unnecessary fouls on Clark. This should be a game in which the Fever starters should all play less than 20 minutes. While I don't agree with teams resting their whole starting lineups, I like what the Lynx are doing tonight which is resting two of their starters. No sense in the Fever making this a "personal" game because of a comment made months ago. As far as the narrative of "what about the fans when they pay to see a specific player?", I would rather prioritize the safety and health of our players for the ultimate goal of a championship rather than watch them risk getting injured during a completely meaningless game. I know if Sides decides to treat this as a game that matters and a player gets injured, fans will want to hang her. I know if Sides decides to treat this as a game that doesn't matter, fans will want to hang her for resting players.
I hope they dont sit her. But they should try some different lineups and maybe only play her like 30 minutes... Like try out "what if CC is in foul trouble", or "what if AB is in foul trouble" and so on. Last game they already tryed "what if KM is in foul trouble", cause she played only 30 minutes without a real reason.
The Mystics lose the head to head tiebreaker with the Dream. The only way the Mystics get in is if they win, the Dream lose and Chicago wins, creating a three-way tie.
You how there was talk back a bit back, that CC and AR should "share" the ROTY award right? Even if it wasn't even close? So... where is the talk where AW should "share" the MVP with CC? Because NGL MVP race is a lot closer than ROTY race, and yet..., I looked but I couldn't find any mention of it.
A LOT of people are there to see caitlin so no way they gonna let all those people down but i do think she will play a little less minutes than she normaly does.
Caitlin doesn’t believe in “load management” like LeBron and other star players that treat it like a part-time job 😄. She gets out there and play every night like Michael Jordan. Fans from all over the world are traveling to see this woman in person and she always puts the fans first. I’m ready for some Fever basketball 😁.
Caitlin has said numerous times in interviews that she would play all 40 minutes if it were up to her and that she'll rest when there is no game in front of her to play lol - And while rest is important - this young squad needs all the experience they can get.
I hate when stars don't play on road games. I live in Minneapolis and Chicago would only play the Timberwolves at home once a year and Jordan would sit those games.
Mick, you earn your followers, amazingly, your the ONLY person not annoying about it ... just the way you do it, is inviting and celebrating success, you definitely have earned.... WNBA is only relevant in my life, is due to your knowledge...
They should definitely rest or play limited minutes… it’s an opportunity for the Fever to see what they are working with on the bench, any maybe tryout some lineups etc, especially since their seed is set regardless if they win or lose
Every team gets up for the Fever. They barely compete against some teams then here comes the Fever. I always thought this would a L against the Mystics. Mystics easily handled the Fever at Indy last time played. Indiana outscored Mystics by 16 in the 4th to get it to 5.
I agree. They should play all out just as if it were a play off game and sub as per usual. The Mystics aren’t a push over! All bench can get time with starters pulled for rests.
They should rest her: 1) so she doesn't get injured 2) because she has a 19-assist lead on Alyssa Thomas, who has been salty on Twitter about Caitlin ending up with more assists this season, and she has been passing up open shots to pad her assist stats to catch Caitlin. I think it will be hilarious to see Caitlin get more assists in fewer games. It means NOTHING to Caitlin because she just wants to win, but it means a lot to the extremely petty Alyssa, who btw is also a dirty player.
and nearly the entire chicago starting 5 are sitting out the game against the sun. look for some stat padding. winning the assist title is a season long achievement. she won't be sitting.
Shes gotten 200 less points this season from trying to pad assists, it's hilarious watching her give up wide open looks, she would need to break the league record of 19 that Caitlin currently holds in order to beat her.
Don't be surprised if the sky play dead tonight and allow Thomas to set a single game assist record tonight then we'll see just how petty these players are
CC will play as much as she can... she value the Money for her fans to come and see her....NOT like NBA... She will PLAY and lead the second crew to play with her to have their points register for this season. Good game to see.
Caitlin has the Michael Jordan mentality. She knows people in Washington paid to see her. And she won’t want to disappoint them. Keep her under 30 minutes though imo.
Caitlin has that Mamba Mentality. Kobe played every game he could, not just because he is a competitor, but also he knows fans are there to see him. And for away games it maybe the only chance some fans will ever get to see him play. I think Caitlin is the way.
She's a kid in terrific aerobic shape. WNBA post-season isn't particularly difficult endurance-wise ... let her give her fans a stellar finish to her first pro-season.
I would be very surprised if she didn't play . Maybe she won't play as much, but she mentioned before that she didn't want to get that next Tech because she didn't want to disappoint the fans in Washington for the game by having to sit out . I would think that she would want to get in and get shots up since they have had several days of rest and the team has struggled to get started in games after long rests . And after being called out by Sykes , it would think she wouldn't want to be seen as running away from the challenge .
Caitlin did not miss a game in college even when she was sick and had fever in a game that was shown in her documentary. She won´t miss this game, she wants to show up for the fans.
Thanks Mick, thanks commenters .. The Fever do have plan wisely, here .. among other things, it's sort of a PR thing here. If the fans are coming to see Caitlin .. "the customer's always right". And yes, .. this is a great time for the Fever to experiment, too. I'd be very interested in seeing some bench players, having some minutes, today
She's too competitive to not play at all. Besides, she & Kelsey are in a fight to the death for who will be Indiana's top scorer this year (Kelsey is at 763, Caitlin at 761). She might play a few fewer minutes, but she's almost 100% playing. Might even try to just go "bombs away" to break the 3-pointer record (she needs 9 to break Sabrina's record).
Of course CC is going to play! This is a huge game for positioning in the W. If the Mystics win, they are in. The fever drop to 20 & 20. They want to go into the playoffs with some momentum and not stay in the same spot because of a tie-breaker. All the team needs some time on the floor with the starters, specifically CC, AB, and KM. They need to sharpen their perceptions and skills before the playoffs because at some time they have to perform
I say she goes for 39 points tonight to average a cool 20.0 PPG for the season. They want that winning record too. 21-19 sounds a lot better than 20-20
The Fever should rest all of their starters IMO. Play them for a low amount of minutes and give the backups some time to lock into their games before the playoffs.
They are playing to win a championship, no point risking injury in a meaningless game. They earnt the right to be able to rest some players more if they want to. It's also a good opportunity to give some of the bench players some more court time
@@dbolton12001 of course they will try to win, but why not let the people who don't get as much of an opportunity to try and win? Aces apparently are resting almost everyone...
Its not about what she wants to do, but what the organization wants and needs to do in this situation. A competitor like her will always want to play for the fans, but the Playoffs starts in 2 days and you need her fully rested, especially if the Aces get the 3rd seed.
If they don't give Grace and Victoria some minutes tonite, the Fever should do them a favor and let them go and maybe try to help them get with a team in Europe or China where they can get some playing time and maybe have the chance to make it in the expansion. Then try to get Kate if the chemistry works and they're prepared to play her.
Clark has a mentality that if she's ok, she will play. Now, if she gets into a situation of being hurt or injured, take her out immediately. Also, if the lead is out of reach late, by either team, take all the Fever starters out.
MICK do you know why Kate Martin has been benched for the Aces this 2nd half of the season when they spoke so well of her in the first half and she did seem to play quite well?
Over the next 2 years they are going to bring in 3 new teams. Teams right now have 2 to 4 bench players who do not play and are not proven. Mick keeps talking about all this talent in the WCBB. There are some top players coming in over the next 3 years. It is the quality role players the WNBA needs. In 2026 more money means players from other countries will be interested. I think three expansion teams will bring in new money but it weaken over all play. Some games will be unwatchable even more than now. Valkyries are going to pay 2 max contracts probably to players their previous team did not want. Also it is all for 1 year because of the new TV money. You may see a average FA got to the Valkyries for 1 year for a max and just be a gunner, gun for hire. KM anyone.
Most definitely she needs to play , she needs some 3 pointers to get closer to the record . Also every game is good live practice . If you're not worrying about the win , just enjoy a practice . Sides can also give Catlin free range to play her tipe of game 100 %
She has to play there last game was Sunday on the 15th. The playoffs start Sunday on the 22nd that would be 7 days without a game. That's to much time off.
CC needs 8 more 3 pointers to tie the single season record. I think she should go out tonight and try to break it. She might get hot if she's taking lots of 3s.
This game she is going up against on of the best defender in Ariel Watkins. Should give her practice to play against the better defenders in the playoffs.
Any possibility they would see if CC could get the 3's season record? Something like 8 to tie it isn't it? If you come out the first quarter with at least 3 3's maybe it seems possible.
She's bound to play at least a half. What records does she have left to go for? Three point would require her to shoot 10 3Ps. She did that in college, but her form has been bad most of the year at range. I think she's already broke the record for most points contributed in a season. All the rookie records are already hers. I think she rests second half unless the game is close.
Don't worry. The genius Christie Sides will have this all figured out and play all the right players the right amount of time in the right combinations, because that is what Christie Sides does.
This game means nothing for the Fever and everything for Washington. Even if the starters play 37 minutes the Fever probably lose. I consider a .500 record a winning season. Since the Fever are likely to lose, play the starters only 25 minutes and get the bench some PT for the playoffs.
The fans will riot if they rest her lol. The win does matter so they can have a winning record. That’s what CC cares about. And she’s a true competitor and knows people travel from far and wide and pay a lot of money to see her.
According to Fox Sports The Dream need to either win or have both Chicago and Washington lose to advance. The Mystics need a win and a loss bt Atlanta. Chicago needs a victory and losses by both Washington and Atlanta to reach postseason.
She certainly won't want to, but a wise coach should bench her for a few, a dozen or so minutes. Especially since it will be a last-chance match for the Mystics and the possibility of brutal fouls on CC will increase dramatically.
In what world do professional athletes need to be rested in a 4 month season where you play 35 minutes a night tops, maybe 2-3 times a week in a non contact sport? Lol I would like to introduce the world to Hockey.
I’m pretty sure Atlanta has the tie breaker vs Washington. The first tie breaker is record vs each other and it was 2-2. Next is record vs teams at .500 or above and Atlanta has the edge there. The only way for Mystics is if they win and Dream & Sky lose.
@@nicolamedenis999 The points scored doesn’t apply here because the rules go by record vs .500 or above teams before getting to points scored. Since Atlanta has the better record vs .500 teams, they own the tie breaker vs Mystics. Mystics must win and Atlanta lose tonight in order for the Mystics to make the playoffs.
Caitlin won’t allow it. She knows the fans spent a lot of money and drove long distances to see her play. She will play most of the game. She may get more rest than normal, but she is playing the whole game.
Good point. She will put onba show.
Sides can't believe Katie Lu will not regain her old form. Sides keeps trying to help KL find her old grove.
Definitely agree!!!
SOLID !!
@@Beau_Toxx Katie Lou just had a baby, and it takes time to recover from that. I would expect that if she continues to work hard, she could be good to go next year.
Of course she will play, so will all the starters, maybe play reduced minutes but no way they sit the whole game.
Exactly. They already tryed a long stretch without Mitchell last game. Pretty sure they will do the same with CC this game. Maybe play her 30 minutes, not her normal 37.
Catlin is a true competitor. Not a social media queen! She knows fans are coming to watch her! She's the WNBA!
During an interview before their last home game against Dallas, Caitlin said when asked about it.."it would be really sad for the fans of Washington if I get a technical on this game that would suspend me for the next game." She knows she's the reason why that game is a sell out, she knows she's the main attraction, and she knows people (her fans or not) pay a lot of money just to see her play. It's not on her DNA to sit and rest..she will play//
She should play just long enough to stay in rhythm as should Kelsey Aliyah and Lexi maybe 25 minutes tops
@@nikeyrawhide2873 if she get tech for this game it don’t matter since post season actually reset the tech fouls right?
@@masonpalazzolo2387 yes the technical are erased to the postseason no matter how many do you have all back to zero
This isn't the soft diva NBA. She'll play.
The amount of fans going to that away game, she has to be there.
I would like to see Berger play a lot tonight.
She’s 22 … she needs to play. It’s a young team, they need to play. They haven’t played since Sunday, if they rest the 3 stars that means they will be going almost a week without playing. They’ve already had plenty of rest before this game. I’d much rather them roll into the Playoffs with a “light sweat” than go in cold having not played for a week.
Also, the team hasn’t finished the regular season with a winning record since 2015. The game won’t impact the post season but a winning record would be a great thing for the Franchise.
Sit the big 3 for the 2nd half, imo
That all sounds good until one of the starters rolls an ankle and has to miss playoff time. It's a meaningless game, it should be treated that way.
@@kennysingletary4490 Sure, an injury could happen in practice too (granted less likely).
I think it's far more likely the young stars come out flat if they go a week without playing than one of them getting injured in the game tonight. That's exactly what we saw from them against the Lynx when the Fever were on fire, then had 4 days off, and then played like shit for the first half of that game. I wouldn't play them the normal 35-ish minutes, but I'd play them half that and wouldn't hestitate to get them out if the game gets chippy, but I'd still play them.
Winning or losing may be meaningless tonight, but I don't think some time on the court in a game setting right before the playoffs is meaningless for this team with regard to getting off to a good start against the Sun.
@@taggart806 What happened after the Olympic break? Didn't look flat to me.
@@kennysingletary4490 No they were not, they didn't get flat until they had almost a week off!
Different situation though. They were coming of the most grueling schedule in the WNBA and obviously Clark needed the time off.
Sitting them out of fear of injury makes sense, I just think they will have a better chance of starting out strong against the Sun if they get on the court tonight to get any kinks from the longer break out in a meaningless game than in one that matter.
Hull, KM and CC have all stated that they don't have any issues playing a full game. This team still has things they need to be working on right up to their first playoff game. Having said that I do think that everyone needs minutes. The fever should do a lot of rotations. It is just as important that the bench is ready for the playoffs as it is for the starters. Please God give Temi more minutes! Sheesh!
Love the analysis. But the Fever have one very big thing to play for tonight. A WINNING SEASON. If they lose, they’re 20-20. So losing merely gives them a NOT losing season. But win and they go 21-19, which is a huge thing. The Fever are not favored against the Lynx and I’d love to see that upset. But a winning season is a big deal, so there’s that! Just my two cents. 😊
A winning season? U do realize they started 1-8 right, most of those games were vs teams rank 1-5 at he end of this season? 20-20 is fine. Playoffs first time in 8 years. Fever are like top 3 since the break. Getting win #21 on the year will do nothing but increase the risk of injuries. They locked up 6th seed
@@DeeEmm-r4u Winning season is a way bigger deal. So let’s think it through. Let’s say they lose by throwing the game as you suggest. NOT a winning season after starting 1-8. Then they lose in the first round. Made the playoffs, got booted. That’s a good season. But what if they WIN this game and lose out in the first round. Playoffs AND winning season. Huge. The only way throwing this game works is if they go deep (at least winning the first round) which is highly implausible. They are most likely to lose in the first round without CC (if, forbid it, CC was injured) or with her at 100%. But a winning season is forever. 20-20 is, as you say, “fine.” But these are professionals and it’s not a winning season and would not be “fine” with me! Just to be fair, playing their first team also doesn’t guarantee they win this game, but it’s likely the only way.
@@tommyrq180 Dude the Fever this year have more wins then the previous 2 season COMBINED! lol
Got to build depth. The top 5 or 6 are well established but, if you lose a lexie or an aaliyah or, Kelsey. You gotta have good options
I agree with you all the starters need to play most of the game. Rest is also important.
The game does have meaning for the Fever as it is the difference between a winning season or not. Above 0.500 is a winning season. 0.500 is not. They have not had a winning season since 2015. That in itself is a morale booster going into the playoffs.
From last to 6th seed after their start to the season is winning, let's see how far they can take it tho
Exactly. It is a difference of just one win, but psychologically it is hugely meaningful if they finish over .500 versus exactly .500. So yes, I think this game is meaningful to the Fever.
CC has to go for 39 points tonight to get that 20ppg average 😂
im hoping for 25 shots min for 35+ points for CC. i actually having more guards and fewer bigs, increase the pace will increase the scoring. boston getting spelled by temi. and sometimes temi w AB.
She's not just an athlete, she's considered an entertainer. It would be a disservice to all the people who already have tickets to the game and people watching at home to sit her out. Also, you don't put Baby in the corner, you don't put Clark on the bench.
For health concerns, I really hope the Fever and Clark don't take this game personally because of what Sykes said on Twitter months ago. This is a completely meaningless game to the Fever while the Mystics are playing for their season. I expect this to be a physical game for the Mystics and as we've seen multiple times in the past, players who have made comments similar to what Sykes are not afraid of committing hard and unnecessary fouls on Clark. This should be a game in which the Fever starters should all play less than 20 minutes. While I don't agree with teams resting their whole starting lineups, I like what the Lynx are doing tonight which is resting two of their starters. No sense in the Fever making this a "personal" game because of a comment made months ago. As far as the narrative of "what about the fans when they pay to see a specific player?", I would rather prioritize the safety and health of our players for the ultimate goal of a championship rather than watch them risk getting injured during a completely meaningless game. I know if Sides decides to treat this as a game that matters and a player gets injured, fans will want to hang her. I know if Sides decides to treat this as a game that doesn't matter, fans will want to hang her for resting players.
CC has to play. If they win the Aces have a chance to play Fever, not our best matchup. So yes CC plays 100%
there's that too. Allowing the mystics to win lines the fever up with a possible Aces 1st round match up.
Caitlin gotta play for the crowd. She can just shoot 3s not go into the hole. Avoid injury there. No layups
Logo 3's all evening 😃😃
Basketball players, or even just competitors, don't think this way.
I hope they dont sit her. But they should try some different lineups and maybe only play her like 30 minutes... Like try out "what if CC is in foul trouble", or "what if AB is in foul trouble" and so on. Last game they already tryed "what if KM is in foul trouble", cause she played only 30 minutes without a real reason.
In my opinion, yes. Win or lose don’t matter at this point. They are lock in with sun for playoffs. Let Grace Beger play.
@@TJF8181there is no chance that sky will beat sun tonight. All the starters are actually “injury”. Chicago bench players are playing tonight.
Mick you report on the WNBA. You should know that mystics have the tiebreaker if they win
The Mystics lose the head to head tiebreaker with the Dream. The only way the Mystics get in is if they win, the Dream lose and Chicago wins, creating a three-way tie.
There is no way she takes a game off- she would freak out.
Maybe 30 mins but she’s built to win every game and not lay down!
You how there was talk back a bit back, that CC and AR should "share" the ROTY award right? Even if it wasn't even close? So... where is the talk where AW should "share" the MVP with CC? Because NGL MVP race is a lot closer than ROTY race, and yet..., I looked but I couldn't find any mention of it.
Spreading the minutes is a very good idea. Saxton and Berger should get significant time to prove themselves.
A LOT of people are there to see caitlin so no way they gonna let all those people down but i do think she will play a little less minutes than she normaly does.
Katie Lou lately has been the Kat of the WNBA a brick chucker
she's going to play. period
Caitlin doesn’t believe in “load management” like LeBron and other star players that treat it like a part-time job 😄. She gets out there and play every night like Michael Jordan. Fans from all over the world are traveling to see this woman in person and she always puts the fans first. I’m ready for some Fever basketball 😁.
Exactly Who's the biggest basketball star in the world right now?
Caitlin has said numerous times in interviews that she would play all 40 minutes if it were up to her and that she'll rest when there is no game in front of her to play lol - And while rest is important - this young squad needs all the experience they can get.
I hate when stars don't play on road games. I live in Minneapolis and Chicago would only play the Timberwolves at home once a year and Jordan would sit those games.
There is no way they bench CC. Fans in a sold out arena = Clark at 30 minutes or more.
Why isn’t Caitlin Clark in the game right now
Mick, you earn your followers, amazingly, your the ONLY person not annoying about it ... just the way you do it, is inviting and celebrating success, you definitely have earned.... WNBA is only relevant in my life, is due to your knowledge...
No. You win or lose as a team. There is no pinch hitter, no sub, All in: this is war. Besides, CC does not need rest: she runs on FANMANA lol
Hell no. F the mystics we aren’t getting soft right before the playoffs
She should play… it will be disrespectful for the fans who will pay to watch the game and it will be disappointing for the Washington team also..
They should definitely rest or play limited minutes… it’s an opportunity for the Fever to see what they are working with on the bench, any maybe tryout some lineups etc, especially since their seed is set regardless if they win or lose
Katie Lou went to UConn
Every team gets up for the Fever. They barely compete against some teams then here comes the Fever. I always thought this would a L against the Mystics. Mystics easily handled the Fever at Indy last time played. Indiana outscored Mystics by 16 in the 4th to get it to 5.
I agree. They should play all out just as if it were a play off game and sub as per usual. The Mystics aren’t a push over! All bench can get time with starters pulled for rests.
They should rest her:
1) so she doesn't get injured
2) because she has a 19-assist lead on Alyssa Thomas, who has been salty on Twitter about Caitlin ending up with more assists this season, and she has been passing up open shots to pad her assist stats to catch Caitlin. I think it will be hilarious to see Caitlin get more assists in fewer games.
It means NOTHING to Caitlin because she just wants to win, but it means a lot to the extremely petty Alyssa, who btw is also a dirty player.
They didn't move in 15,000 seat venue to have her sit. They should at least play the first half
and nearly the entire chicago starting 5 are sitting out the game against the sun. look for some stat padding. winning the assist title is a season long achievement. she won't be sitting.
Shes gotten 200 less points this season from trying to pad assists, it's hilarious watching her give up wide open looks, she would need to break the league record of 19 that Caitlin currently holds in order to beat her.
CC is only eight 3 pointers ahead she needs 2or 3 more and assist to she needs 3 or 4 more
Don't be surprised if the sky play dead tonight and allow Thomas to set a single game assist record tonight then we'll see just how petty these players are
CC will play as much as she can... she value the Money for her fans to come and see her....NOT like NBA... She will PLAY and lead the second crew to play with her to have their points register for this season. Good game to see.
Let’s see what Grace Burger can do or anyone else
If Indiana was smart limited out by 4th
she should not rest until she has 20pts and 10 assist. If she starts hot I say go crazy and go for 36 points.
Caitlin has the Michael Jordan mentality. She knows people in Washington paid to see her. And she won’t want to disappoint them.
Keep her under 30 minutes though imo.
The positives is increasing Stats or Records and a possibility W and the negatives is injury and the lack of rest
I hope she plays so she can shoot for the 3 point made record.
Thats not going to happen. A game with 7 three pointers are very rare maybe once a season and she already had one.
@@Michael-of6zfshe done it before. She can
Only needs 2 more 3 pointers to beat Taurasi’s 121 and get to 2nd most in a season (after Sabrina on 128)
@@nicolamedenis999 you meant Sabrina? Not Aja lol
Caitlin has that Mamba Mentality. Kobe played every game he could, not just because he is a competitor, but also he knows fans are there to see him. And for away games it maybe the only chance some fans will ever get to see him play. I think Caitlin is the way.
They have a chance to go above .500. That means something.
She's a kid in terrific aerobic shape. WNBA post-season isn't particularly difficult endurance-wise ... let her give her fans a stellar finish to her first pro-season.
I would be very surprised if she didn't play . Maybe she won't play as much, but she mentioned before that she didn't want to get that next Tech because she didn't want to disappoint the fans in Washington for the game by having to sit out . I would think that she would want to get in and get shots up since they have had several days of rest and the team has struggled to get started in games after long rests . And after being called out by Sykes , it would think she wouldn't want to be seen as running away from the challenge .
gotta play at least 2 quarters or fans will go nuts
Caitlin did not miss a game in college even when she was sick and had fever in a game that was shown in her documentary. She won´t miss this game, she wants to show up for the fans.
Thanks Mick, thanks commenters ..
The Fever do have plan wisely, here .. among other things, it's sort of a PR thing here. If the fans are coming to see Caitlin .. "the customer's always right". And yes, .. this is a great time for the Fever to experiment, too. I'd be very interested in seeing some bench players, having some minutes, today
She's too competitive to not play at all. Besides, she & Kelsey are in a fight to the death for who will be Indiana's top scorer this year (Kelsey is at 763, Caitlin at 761). She might play a few fewer minutes, but she's almost 100% playing. Might even try to just go "bombs away" to break the 3-pointer record (she needs 9 to break Sabrina's record).
Of course CC is going to play! This is a huge game for positioning in the W. If the Mystics win, they are in. The fever drop to 20 & 20. They want to go into the playoffs with some momentum and not stay in the same spot because of a tie-breaker. All the team needs some time on the floor with the starters, specifically CC, AB, and KM. They need to sharpen their perceptions and skills before the playoffs because at some time they have to perform
I say she goes for 39 points tonight to average a cool 20.0 PPG for the season. They want that winning record too. 21-19 sounds a lot better than 20-20
Just roll the bench
Give me a break. She is 22 years old. They moved it to 20,000 seat arena and people would be pissed if she sits. Plus, Caitlin would not be happy
The Fever should rest all of their starters IMO. Play them for a low amount of minutes and give the backups some time to lock into their games before the playoffs.
If they don't go to win, They shouldn't even be playing the game
They are playing to win a championship, no point risking injury in a meaningless game. They earnt the right to be able to rest some players more if they want to. It's also a good opportunity to give some of the bench players some more court time
@@Rondigity92 Then I think why bother even playing. Just give up as it is no-longer a game. No-matter the type of game or sport
@@dbolton12001 that's a dumb attitude, why not let players who otherwise don't get much game time, get some experience.
@@Rondigity92 You may think so but I would never play any game I did not try to win. To me that would be a waste of my time and energy no-matter,
@@dbolton12001 of course they will try to win, but why not let the people who don't get as much of an opportunity to try and win? Aces apparently are resting almost everyone...
To have a winning season they need to win. 21-19 looks better than 20-20
Its not about what she wants to do, but what the organization wants and needs to do in this situation. A competitor like her will always want to play for the fans, but the Playoffs starts in 2 days and you need her fully rested, especially if the Aces get the 3rd seed.
If they don't give Grace and Victoria some minutes tonite, the Fever should do them a favor and let them go and maybe try to help them get with a team in Europe or China where they can get some playing time and maybe have the chance to make it in the expansion. Then try to get Kate if the chemistry works and they're prepared to play her.
I hope we see more of berger this game, we need a pure pg as a back up
I want her to pass Taurasi for 3 pointers in a season which would give her second behind Sabrina at 128.
Clark has a mentality that if she's ok, she will play. Now, if she gets into a situation of being hurt or injured, take her out immediately. Also, if the lead is out of reach late, by either team, take all the Fever starters out.
Yes, she will play! Title is on the clickbait spectrum, albeit, only mildly so. Keep grinding Mick. 😅
She’s 100% playing. 25 min likely and not 40. But seriously they do not want to back into the playoffs.
CC has a 19 assist lead on AT. If she sits and AT get 20 assists against a depleted Sky team, she could lose both records.
MICK do you know why Kate Martin has been benched for the Aces this 2nd half of the season when they spoke so well of her in the first half and she did seem to play quite well?
Over the next 2 years they are going to bring in 3 new teams. Teams right now have 2 to 4 bench players who do not play and are not proven. Mick keeps talking about all this talent in the WCBB. There are some top players coming in over the next 3 years. It is the quality role players the WNBA needs. In 2026 more money means players from other countries will be interested. I think three expansion teams will bring in new money but it weaken over all play. Some games will be unwatchable even more than now. Valkyries are going to pay 2 max contracts probably to players their previous team did not want. Also it is all for 1 year because of the new TV money. You may see a average FA got to the Valkyries for 1 year for a max and just be a gunner, gun for hire. KM anyone.
Most definitely she needs to play , she needs some 3 pointers to get closer to the record . Also every game is good live practice . If you're not worrying about the win , just enjoy a practice . Sides can also give Catlin free range to play her tipe of game 100 %
She has to play there last game was Sunday on the 15th. The playoffs start Sunday on the 22nd that would be 7 days without a game. That's to much time off.
I think she should play for 7 min every quarter 28 in total.
CC needs 8 more 3 pointers to tie the single season record. I think she should go out tonight and try to break it. She might get hot if she's taking lots of 3s.
This game she is going up against on of the best defender in Ariel Watkins. Should give her practice to play against the better defenders in the playoffs.
Any possibility they would see if CC could get the 3's season record? Something like 8 to tie it isn't it? If you come out the first quarter with at least 3 3's maybe it seems possible.
She's bound to play at least a half.
What records does she have left to go for? Three point would require her to shoot 10 3Ps. She did that in college, but her form has been bad most of the year at range. I think she's already broke the record for most points contributed in a season. All the rookie records are already hers.
I think she rests second half unless the game is close.
It’s the last game of the season. We closing out strong 💪🏻
Just another game for Caitlin- she plays 32+ minutes today
Don't worry. The genius Christie Sides will have this all figured out and play all the right players the right amount of time in the right combinations, because that is what Christie Sides does.
This game means nothing for the Fever and everything for Washington. Even if the starters play 37 minutes the Fever probably lose. I consider a .500 record a winning season. Since the Fever are likely to lose, play the starters only 25 minutes and get the bench some PT for the playoffs.
The fans will riot if they rest her lol. The win does matter so they can have a winning record. That’s what CC cares about. And she’s a true competitor and knows people travel from far and wide and pay a lot of money to see her.
If the Sky win and the Mystics and Dream lose, the Mystics get two lottery picks! ❤❤❤
According to Fox Sports
The Dream need to either win or have both Chicago and Washington lose to advance. The Mystics need a win and a loss bt Atlanta. Chicago needs a victory and losses by both Washington and Atlanta to reach postseason.
CC needs to use this game to work on a few aspects of her game.
I SEE STARTERS PLAYING FIRST HALF, BENCH PLAYING IN THE SECOND HALF
You know what it's like to keep a race horse pinned up?
She certainly won't want to, but a wise coach should bench her for a few, a dozen or so minutes. Especially since it will be a last-chance match for the Mystics and the possibility of brutal fouls on CC will increase dramatically.
Aces are starting their bench. Injury report has starters "out" for rest.
I’m going to the game today. I really will be disappointed if she doesn’t play. Ugh!
No point in giving time to players who won't feature in playoffs
Sides will probably play all the starters the whole game putting the players at risk for no reason
She only needs two 3's to beat DT's career high of 121 FG in a season (#2 all-time) so she better do that
I'm going to the damn game, she absolutely needs to play. Dude have you ever went to a game?
Caitlin Clark go play overseas. Your health and well being should be priority instead of putting up with the WNBA crap.
In what world do professional athletes need to be rested in a 4 month season where you play 35 minutes a night tops, maybe 2-3 times a week in a non contact sport? Lol I would like to introduce the world to Hockey.
I don't know what a 1 day is supposed to do. Better play and keep the rhytm going.
I’m pretty sure Atlanta has the tie breaker vs Washington. The first tie breaker is record vs each other and it was 2-2. Next is record vs teams at .500 or above and Atlanta has the edge there. The only way for Mystics is if they win and Dream & Sky lose.
They are 2:2 but Washington scored 299 points vs Atlanta’s 286
@@nicolamedenis999 The points scored doesn’t apply here because the rules go by record vs .500 or above teams before getting to points scored. Since Atlanta has the better record vs .500 teams, they own the tie breaker vs Mystics. Mystics must win and Atlanta lose tonight in order for the Mystics to make the playoffs.