NaLyssa Smith came off bench in Fever loss to Mystics because of a 'team matter'

INDIANAPOLIS -- NaLyssa Smith came off the bench in Wednesday's loss to the Washington Mystics because of a "team matter," Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides said.

"The reason for the change the other night against Washington was a team matter," Sides said. "And I'm sorry guys, but I'm just not going to discuss team business. So we are moving forward, and we are looking forward to this game tonight against Phoenix."

Lexie Hull took Smith's place in the starting lineup on Wednesday, with Katie Lou Samuelson sliding to the 4 spot. The Fever struggled against the Mystics in the first quarter with that lineup, committing eight turnovers and allowing the Mystics 23 shots compared to their own 12.

Smith still came into the game off the bench and ended up starting the second half. She played 27 minutes and scored 11 points, but had just two rebounds (her lowest total of the season) in the Fever's 89-84 loss to the league's worst team.

Why more Fever lineup changes?'A coach’s decision and we’re just gonna leave it at that.'

Smith will return to the starting lineup against the Phoenix Mercury for Friday night's game; Samuelson will go back to her starting spot at the 3, and Hull will come off the bench.

Smith has been a mainstay in the starting lineup since she was drafted to the Fever in 2022, starting every game she played in during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. She came off the bench in place of Temi Fagbenle for two games earlier this season (not because of a team matter), returning to the starting lineup when Fagbenle injured her foot.

When Smith was benched, she and the Fever were coming off their biggest win of the season over the New York Liberty. Smith contributed 11 points and 11 rebounds -- her third straight game with a double-double.