"Started from the bottom now we're here": Caitlin Clark hyped about Fever coach Christie Sides' historic milestone

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

The emerging sideline leader cleared several hurdles to take the Fever to their first playoff berth since 2016. Indiana star Caitlin Clark had a fun message for Sides, noting how their season drastically improved.

"Started from the bottom, now we're here, coach," Clark told Sides.

Sides gave her team heartfelt compliments while stating her award resulted from their efforts.

"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 said.

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

Christie Sides almost led Fever to an undefeated month

Christie Sides' team only dropped one of six games in August. That loss came against the Minnesota Lynx on Aug. 24. They returned, however, with a 98-89 win over the Phoenix Mercury to sweep their regular-season series. Two days later, they dominated the Seattle Storm 92-75 before losing to the Lynx.

Indiana bounced back against the Atlanta Dream 84-79, then beat the Connecticut Sun for the first time this season, 84-80, before humbling the Chicago Sky 100-81 at Wintrust Arena last Friday.

Clark led the team during those six games. The rookie star played 36 minutes per outing and averaged 24.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 1.0 steals per contest. Indiana began its season 1-9 and looked lost against almost every opponent.

As the weeks went by, though, they gained momentum. The team finished the first half of their season around .500, but there was no looking back once they returned to the court.

Christie Sides went from the hot seat to winning the latest Coach of the Month award and helping her franchise earn a rare playoff berth. Perhaps her budding connection with Caitlin Clark will become a WNBA staple.