WNBA icon Sheryl Swoopes offered a frank assessment of Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston on Friday, commenting on Boston’s recent struggles amid mounting pressure from referees. Speaking on The Women’s Hoops Show, Swoopes contrasted Boston’s challenges with rising guard Kelsey Mitchell’s standout performances during a critical stretch for the team as they navigate injuries.

Swoopes addressed the Fever’s efforts to maintain a playoff position despite key absences, including star Caitlin Clark, while highlighting both weaknesses and strengths within the lineup.

Swoopes critiques Aliyah Boston’s current challenges with officiating

Discussing Aliyah Boston’s recent performances, Sheryl Swoopes expressed concern that Boston has been mentally affected by how referees are calling games, impacting her usual play style. While hesitant to call it a slump, Swoopes noted Boston appears to be distracted by officiating decisions, which has altered her approach on the court.

“I feel like, Aaliyah Boston right now, I don’t want to say she’s in a slump, but I feel like Aaliyah is whether the refs are giving her the calls or not, I feel like Aaliyah has gotten in her own head in her own way with the referees and it’s kind of taken her out of the way she plays,” Swoopes said (41:31 onwards).

Despite this critique, Boston remains a key contributor for the Fever, averaging 15.2 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, proving her ongoing value within the team’s rotation.

Kelsey Mitchell’s impressive contribution amid Fever’s injury struggles

While pointing out Boston’s difficulties, Swoopes lavished praise on guard Kelsey Mitchell for her consistent scoring and leadership. Mitchell, who signed with the Fever in February on a $249,244 contract, has stepped up remarkably in the absence of other key players, showcasing her ability to carry the team’s offensive load.

“Kelsey Mitchell, geez, I’m bowing down to you right now, cuz sis, you have been holding it down,” Swoopes said (41:10 onwards).

Mitchell is currently averaging 20.4 points and 3.4 assists per game, making her a vital presence in Indiana’s backcourt, especially after the season-ending injuries to Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald.

Optimism remains strong for Indiana Fever’s playoff ambitions despite setbacks

Despite the team’s recent injury woes and Boston’s challenges with referees, Swoopes remains confident in the Fever’s ability to contend in the playoffs. Indiana stands sixth with a 19-16 record and strives to build on consecutive postseason appearances even without the All-Star Caitlin Clark.

“I think they have the pieces even if Caitlin doesn’t come back,” Swoopes said (43:50 onwards). “It has been really impressive some of these wins that they have been able to get without her. And we look at, you know, how they finished off July. They were on a five-game winning streak and they were able to down teams like the Mercury, the Aces, the Storm.”

Swoopes noted the team’s resilience in securing important victories against strong opponents during this period. While she expressed some reservations about Boston’s current form, she emphasized the overall promise the Fever hold heading into the final stretch of the season, signaling potential for a deep playoff run.