** Fever’s White Critiques Refs After Heartbreaking Loss to Wings

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Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White did not hold back her frustrations regarding officiating after her team’s narrow defeat to the Dallas Wings on Tuesday night. Following the 81-80 loss, White labeled All-Star center Aliyah Boston as the “most poorly officiated post player in the WNBA,” highlighting her dissatisfaction with how Boston is treated on the court.

The Fever’s defeat was particularly painful, as they mounted a remarkable comeback, erasing a 17-point deficit with just over six minutes remaining. Their late-game surge brought them within a single point of the Wings, but ultimately, they fell short. Kelsey Mitchell had the chance to clinch a victory at the buzzer, but her shot from the corner sailed over the rim, catching only the top of the backboard.

This loss was a critical moment for the Fever, as they aimed for a strong playoff position. The defeat dropped them to sixth place in the standings with an 18-15 record, putting them behind the Las Vegas Aces. As reported by CBS Sports, the Fever had been dealing with significant injuries, with key players Caitlin Clark, Aari McDonald, and Sydney Colson sidelined. This left the team relying heavily on their only available point guard, Odyssey Sims.

In her post-game comments, White not only criticized the referees but also acknowledged her team’s struggles. She pointed out their “uncharacteristic” errors, including a lack of defensive focus and an excessive number of turnovers. These issues were particularly concerning as the Fever needed every win they could muster to secure a favorable playoff seed.

Despite the setbacks, White remained hopeful about her team’s potential, emphasizing the resilience they showed during the comeback attempt. “We might be down, but we’re not out,” she stated. The Fever now face an uphill battle as they look to regain momentum with a crucial stretch of games ahead.

As the WNBA season approaches its climax, the Fever’s performance will be increasingly scrutinized, especially regarding their ability to overcome adversity and make a playoff push. White’s critique of the officiating could also spark discussions about how the league addresses player protection and fairness in officiating, particularly for post players like Boston, who are often subjected to physical play.

With the playoffs looming and the pressure mounting, the Fever will need to rally together and find a way to capitalize on their remaining opportunities. The next few games will be pivotal for Indiana as they strive to solidify their postseason aspirations.

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