Seattle, WA – What began as just another WNBA regular-season matchup quickly turned into a high-energy showdown when the Indiana Fever sent a powerful message to the Seattle Storm: you don’t mess with Caitlin Clark.
In one of the most physical and emotional games of the season, Fever stars Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, and Kelsey Mitchell stepped up not just with their skills, but with their toughness—refusing to back down from the Storm’s aggressive play and protecting their rookie sensation from what many viewed as targeted bullying.
Tensions were high from the opening tip. The Storm came out swinging, playing rough defense on Clark, including several hard screens and elbows that drew gasps from the crowd. Clark, who has already faced her share of physical play this season, was visibly frustrated but remained focused.
That’s when her teammates decided enough was enough.
Aliyah Boston, the team’s dominant post presence, made it clear that she wouldn’t allow Clark to be pushed around. On multiple possessions, she physically boxed out Seattle defenders, clearing space for Clark and responding fiercely to every bump and shove.
Lexie Hull, known for her scrappy defense, matched Seattle’s energy with hustle plays and lockdown pressure. She drew two offensive fouls and blocked a critical three-point attempt late in the second quarter, igniting the Fever bench and sending a strong message to Seattle.
But it was Kelsey Mitchell who truly turned the tide. With a flurry of back-to-back three-pointers and fiery leadership, Mitchell lit up the scoreboard and silenced the Storm crowd. At one point, after sinking a deep three over a Seattle defender, she yelled toward the sideline, “We protect our own!”
The Fever, riding high on adrenaline and unity, built a double-digit lead by the third quarter. Seattle tried to answer, but their physical tactics backfired, leading to multiple fouls and a growing number of frustrated players.
By the fourth quarter, it was clear the Fever had taken over the game—not just with skill, but with solidarity.
Fans on social media exploded in support of the team’s efforts to protect Clark. “That’s how you ride for your teammate!” one post read. “Aliyah, Lexie, and Kelsey had her back. No more bullying.”
Another trending post stated, “The Indiana Fever just became the most dangerous team in the WNBA—not because of talent alone, but because of HEART.”
Even Clark, who finished with a solid stat line despite heavy pressure, acknowledged her teammates after the game. “They had my back today,” she said. “We’re a family on and off the court. I’m lucky to be surrounded by teammates like that.”
Boston, when asked about the physicality, didn’t hold back. “We’re not going to let anyone take cheap shots. If you want to play tough, we can play tough too—just know we’re not backing down.”
Mitchell added, “Caitlin is part of this team, and we ride for our team. That’s what being a pro is about—playing with pride and protecting your family.”
Seattle, for their part, defended their play, insisting that the physicality was just part of the game. “It’s the WNBA,” said one Storm player. “Nobody’s getting bullied. It’s just intense basketball.”
But for many watching, the Fever made a loud statement: you can try to rattle their star, but you’ll have to go through the whole squad to do it.
The Fever walked away with a commanding 89–74 victory, but the impact of this game went far beyond the scoreboard. It marked a turning point for a young team coming into its own—and for a rookie who now knows she’s got real backup.
With performances like this, the Indiana Fever aren’t just building a playoff case—they’re building a legacy of toughness, unity, and pride.
And Caitlin Clark? She’s in very good hands.