Aliyah Boston Slams WNBA Officiating After Controversial Fever Loss to Dallas Wings

Dallas — Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston did not hold back after a heated 89–87 loss to the Dallas Wings, accusing WNBA referees of blatantly rigging the game with a string of questionable calls that swung momentum and, ultimately, the result.

The matchup, already carrying playoff implications, turned into a firestorm of officiating controversy — and Boston’s post-game comments have sparked a wave of anger from Fever fans who believe the league’s integrity is at stake.

The Turning Point

With the Fever up by four in the final two minutes, a series of back-to-back whistles went in Dallas’s favor:

A phantom foul called on Boston while she was boxing out, sending Wings forward Natasha Howard to the free-throw line.

A no-call when Kelsey Mitchell was clearly hit on a layup attempt, allowing Dallas to score in transition.

A questionable offensive foul on NaLyssa Smith that nullified a potential game-tying basket in the closing seconds.

The Wings capitalized on each decision, closing the game on a 7–1 run to steal the win.

Boston’s Furious Response

Speaking to reporters afterward, Boston didn’t mince words:

“We work too hard to have games decided like that. I’m not saying every call has to go our way, but tonight? That was embarrassing for this league. It felt like they wanted us to lose.”

She went on to call for accountability from the WNBA:

“If the league cares about fair competition, they need to review what happened tonight. Players shouldn’t feel like they’re playing against two teams — the one on the court and the one with the whistles.”

Fan Outrage

Fever fans erupted online within minutes of Boston’s comments, flooding social media with slow-motion replays of the disputed calls under hashtags like #RiggedWNBA, #JusticeForFever, and #HoldRefsAccountable.

“Three straight blown calls in crunch time? That’s not coincidence.”

“Aliyah said what we’ve all been thinking — the refs are ruining the game.”

“If Caitlin Clark was in this game, the outrage would be ten times bigger. Still wrong either way.”

League Statement

The WNBA issued a brief statement early the next morning:

“The league is aware of the concerns regarding officiating in the Indiana–Dallas game. All games are subject to post-game review, and any necessary actions will be taken in accordance with WNBA protocols.”

No mention was made of specific calls or disciplinary action for the officiating crew.

The Bigger Problem

This is not the first time Fever players have voiced frustration over officiating this season. Multiple players have hinted at inconsistent standards and bias in crucial moments, with some fans suggesting the league favors certain teams for television and marketing purposes.

Former WNBA coach Linda Watkins weighed in:

“When you have stars like Boston openly questioning the integrity of the game, that’s a red flag. The WNBA can’t afford to ignore it.”

What’s Next for the Fever

The loss dropped Indiana’s record in a tight playoff race, making every remaining game critical. Boston insists the team will “channel the frustration into fuel,” but the lingering bitterness over the Dallas loss could set the stage for even more emotionally charged matchups down the stretch.