Indiana Fever coach Christie Sides received a historic honor following the team’s 5-1 run in August, becoming the first Fever coach to win the WNBA Coach of the Month award.

The emerging sideline leader cleared several hurdles to guide the Fever to their first playoff berth since 2016. Indiana star Caitlin Clark shared a fun message with Sides, reflecting on the team’s remarkable turnaround.

“Started from the bottom, now we’re here, coach,” Clark said. Sides responded with heartfelt compliments, emphasizing that the award was a reflection of the entire team’s efforts, not just her own.

“Wow, what a day. This is my coach’s. This is my staff’s. This is you guys. This is not an award for me. This is all y’all. What a day!” Sides expressed with gratitude.

The Indiana Fever dominated in August after returning from the Olympic break. They led the league in scoring, averaging 89.7 points per game, and made the most 3-point field goals (72), while also having the highest-rated offense at 110.7.

Sides’ team came close to an undefeated month, losing only one of their six August games. That defeat came against the Minnesota Lynx on August 24. However, they rebounded with a 98-89 victory over the Phoenix Mercury to sweep the regular-season series. Two days later, they dominated the Seattle Storm 92-76 before their loss to the Lynx.

Indiana bounced back against the Atlanta Dream, winning 84-79, and then defeated the Connecticut Sun for the first time this season, 84-80. They capped off the month with an impressive 100-81 victory over the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena.

Clark played a pivotal role in the team’s success during those six games, averaging 36 minutes per game and putting up 24.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 8.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per contest. The Fever had started their season 1-9, struggling against most opponents, but as the weeks passed, they gained momentum and nearly reached a .500 record by the season’s halfway point.

Christie Sides went from being on the hot seat to winning the Coach of the Month award and leading her franchise to a rare playoff berth. Her growing connection with rookie star Caitlin Clark could become a staple of the WNBA.