The Fever score quickly and easily, but one thing that continues to be a concern is their defense. This problem came to light recently as the team suffered a 111-109 loss against the Phoenix Mercury.

Amy Audibert, an analyst, pointed out this issue directly while talking about the game after its conclusion on the USA Network broadcast of the Fever vs. Mercury game.

"Let's not get it twisted. Caitlin's known more for her offense than her defense. So if you're Indiana and your problems are defense right now, it's tough to not have Caitlin in the game, but this team has shown that they can win without her. They still have to be better defensively — that's the bottom line," Audibert said on the USA Network broadcast on June 24.

Clark went down early in the third quarter because of a back injury, while the Fever maintained an 85-82 lead at that point. However, without Clark in the lineup, the Indiana defense fell apart.

The Mercury put up 11 points in three minutes in the fourth quarter, making the game out of reach for the Fever team.

However, the defensive lapses did not occur only in the closing minutes of the game.

The Fever also allowed the Phoenix to put in 16 points from the paint area and six free throws during the first half, with almost all the scoring of Phoenix being the result of the pressure in the paint, which the Fever could not withstand.

Although Clark was healthy for the majority of the game, Indiana's defense kept a dominant first-quarter offense, with Clark and Kelsey Mitchell combining for 23 points, to only a 35-29 advantage.

The Fever are now at 10-8, but until their defense matches their offense, games like this will continue.

This weakness in their defense has another story that makes one feel frustrated because Fever head coach Stephanie White has expressed her feelings concerning this issue throughout the week.

Stephanie White Calls Out Officiating After Caitlin Clark Injury

Clark’s injury made it even more bitter than losing, since Clark got kneed in the groin and punched in the neck by Alyssa Thomas in a third-quarter scuffle, and the referee did not make any foul calls for either action.

"We have a generational talent and a WNBA superstar who had two cheap shots right there that weren't called. And I just say again, absolutely unacceptable," White said in her postgame press conference on June 24.

The incident occurred days after the clash between the two teams on June 22, when the Fever beat the team with a score of 88-77, which was already known for their fouls and confrontations.

"We spent all off-season looking at officiating. And I still say the one thing that we keep asking for is consistency. She is not called the same way everybody else is called," White added in the same press conference.

Clark was forced out for the rest of the game due to an injury in her back. The referees reviewed one play, but they did not do so to see if there was foul play against Clark. Instead, they wanted to see if she hit a defender in the face.

What do you think about the need for better WNBA protection for Caitlin Clark? Comment below!

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Written by

Utsav Gupta

Edited by

Utsav Gupta