Aliyah Boston And Kelsey Mitchell Combine For 57 Points To Lead Fever Past Storm As Caitlin Clark Struggles With Her Shooting

The Indiana Fever found themselves in a familiar position on Tuesday night — facing questions about offensive consistency, defensive lapses, and how to maximize their star-studded lineup. But as the final buzzer sounded in Seattle, one thing became clear: Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell had the answers the Fever needed, even as rookie sensation Caitlin Clark endured one of her toughest shooting performances to date.

The Fever edged past the Seattle Storm in an electric contest that tested Indiana’s depth, grit, and adaptability. The headline act wasn’t Clark’s usual long-range bombs or flashy assists, but instead the sheer determination and skill displayed by Boston and Mitchell, who combined for 57 points to lift Indiana to a hard-fought victory.

Boston, the reigning Rookie of the Year and All-Star big, continues to evolve into one of the WNBA’s most reliable frontcourt anchors. Against the Storm, she was dominant in the paint, finishing with 29 points on efficient shooting, pulling down key rebounds, and providing a physical presence that Seattle simply couldn’t counter.

“I knew I had to set the tone early,” Boston said postgame. “When shots aren’t falling for us, especially for someone like Caitlin who we lean on a lot, it’s up to the rest of us to step up. Tonight, it was my responsibility to be aggressive inside and take advantage of my matchups.”

And aggressive she was. Boston’s footwork, touch around the rim, and mid-range confidence kept the Fever offense humming during stretches when Clark struggled to find her rhythm. But it wasn’t just Boston making noise — Kelsey Mitchell, a seasoned guard known for her scoring prowess, reminded everyone why she’s one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter threats.

Mitchell poured in 28 points, knocking down timely shots and providing the veteran leadership necessary to weather Seattle’s runs. Her ability to create off the dribble, hit contested jumpers, and control the pace proved invaluable, especially when the Fever’s offense faltered during key moments.

“It’s about trusting each other,” Mitchell remarked after the game. “We know Caitlin’s capable of taking over any game, but basketball’s a team sport. When one of us has an off night, others gotta carry the load. That’s what we did tonight.”

For Clark, the game was a rare reminder that even generational talents experience off nights. The former Iowa star and NCAA’s all-time leading scorer finished with modest numbers, struggling from beyond the arc and facing constant defensive pressure from Seattle’s perimeter defenders.

The Storm made it clear from the opening tip that Clark would be their primary target defensively. They switched aggressively, applied full-court pressure, and forced her into tough shots. Despite her struggles, Clark still found ways to contribute — dishing out assists, pushing the tempo, and spacing the floor to create opportunities for teammates like Boston and Mitchell.

“Every shooter goes through rough patches,” Clark admitted. “I missed shots I normally hit, but I’m proud of how the team stepped up. Aliyah was incredible, Kelsey hit big-time shots, and we stuck together. That’s what great teams do.”

Indeed, the Fever showcased resilience that many believe is key to their long-term growth. With expectations soaring following Clark’s arrival and the development of young stars like Boston, Indiana’s ability to win without relying solely on Clark’s offensive output demonstrates their maturing identity.

Head coach Christie Sides praised her team’s collective effort, emphasizing the importance of balancing star power with cohesive, team-first basketball.

“Caitlin’s going to be just fine — she’s one of the most competitive players I’ve ever coached,” Sides said. “But tonight was about our depth, our toughness, and players like Aliyah and Kelsey stepping into leadership roles. That’s how you win in this league.”

For the Storm, the loss highlighted both their potential and their inconsistency. Jewell Loyd led Seattle’s offense with a spirited performance, while Ezi Magbegor battled admirably in the post. But the Storm struggled to contain Boston inside, and Mitchell’s shot-making exposed defensive lapses that ultimately proved costly.

Seattle coach Noelle Quinn acknowledged the challenge of facing a Fever squad with multiple weapons, noting the difficulty of neutralizing Indiana’s interior strength while staying disciplined on the perimeter.

“You game-plan for Caitlin, but you can’t overlook their other stars,” Quinn said. “Boston’s a problem down low, Mitchell’s a scoring machine, and they’re building chemistry. We competed, but they made more plays down the stretch.”

The Fever’s win marked an important milestone in their season — a gritty road victory against a Western Conference opponent, accomplished without peak performances from their biggest name. For Indiana fans, it’s further proof that this team’s ceiling extends beyond the exploits of one player.

Boston, now firmly establishing herself as a franchise cornerstone, continues to impress with her evolving offensive arsenal and defensive presence. Her chemistry with Mitchell provides a steady foundation, while Clark’s ability to facilitate and stretch defenses adds a layer of unpredictability.

Looking ahead, Indiana knows the journey is far from over. The season remains a grind, filled with lessons, adjustments, and the pressure of meeting sky-high expectations. But nights like this — when the supporting cast shines, adversity is embraced, and victories are earned — build the resilience required for playoff aspirations.

“We’ve got a lot to prove,” Mitchell said. “But games like tonight? They show we’re headed in the right direction.”

As for Clark, she’s determined to bounce back quickly, confident in her ability to adjust and regain her shooting touch.

“I’ve been through slumps before — it’s part of the game,” Clark said. “What matters is how you respond. And I love how this team responded tonight.”

With Boston dominating the paint, Mitchell torching defenders, and Clark’s competitive fire unshaken, the Fever are proving that they’re more than just hype — they’re evolving into a dangerous, well-rounded contender capable of weathering storms, literal and metaphorical.

And on this night in Seattle, as the Storm learned firsthand, Indiana’s foundation is built on more than just three-point bombs — it’s built on grit, depth, and stars like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell who refuse to back down.