Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides is trying to create a winning culture.

And while adding Caitlin Clark to her roster is a great step in the right direction, it will take more than that for her Fever team to ascend up the WNBA standings this season.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) controls the ball as Dallas Wings guard Ashley Joens (1) defends during the second half at College Park Center.

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Prior to the Fever’s preseason finale against the Atlanta Dream, Sides called her team together in the locker room, and relayed a stern message to her young athletes.

“Where we are for the ’24 season, is we’re making winning a habit,” Sides said.

“Tonight, winning starts. We make it a habit.

Fever coach Christie Sides sent a stern message to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever ahead of their preseason finale.

Fever coach Christie Sides sent a stern message to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever ahead of their preseason finale.

Indiana Fever

“Now listen,” Sides added. “That doesn’t mean… you’re obsessed with the trophy, the end game. You’re not obsessed with that.”

Sides went on, saying, “You’re obsessed with all the habits, all the little things, all the details that make winning inevitable.”

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks off the court during a time-out Thursday, May 9, 2024, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

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“All I’m asking you to do tonight is act out of excellence. Let’s go,” Sides concluded.

It sounds like Sides was fired up prior to her team’s last chance to earn a win before the games begin to count.

The Fever lost their first preseason game. And Caitlin Clark isn’t used to losing more than one game in a row.