The latest controversy in the WNBA playoffs has exploded after Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston pointed out what many fans were already saying: A’ja Wilson’s shocking 26 free throw attempts in the Game 5 thriller against the Las Vegas Aces were not just excessive — they were evidence of blatant referee favoritism.

The claim, made in the immediate aftermath of the Fever’s heartbreaking elimination, has reignited debates about the integrity of officiating in the league and whether the biggest stars are being protected at the expense of fair competition.

Boston, usually calm and measured, didn’t hold back. When asked about how the Fever managed to battle until the final buzzer despite a glaring free-throw disparity, she flatly responded: “It’s hard to win when one player gets sent to the line 26 times. That’s not basketball — that’s rigging.” Her comments quickly went viral, with Fever fans echoing her outrage and demanding accountability from the league office.

On paper, the numbers are staggering. The Fever had just 14 free throw attempts as a team, while Wilson alone took nearly double that. Despite playing aggressive, physical defense on both ends, Boston and her teammates were whistled repeatedly, while similar contact on Clark, Mitchell, or Hull often went uncalled. Clips circulating online show side-by-side comparisons of fouls that were called in favor of Wilson but ignored when the Fever attacked the rim.

The frustration wasn’t just about one game — it was about a pattern. Fever fans and even neutral viewers have accused the WNBA of favoring the defending champion Aces throughout the postseason. Social media was flooded with reactions calling the league “rigged for ratings” and suggesting that Engelbert and WNBA leadership want a dynasty in Las Vegas to anchor their marketing campaigns. The visual of Wilson parading to the line 26 times while Clark was repeatedly hacked without whistles only fueled that fire.

Boston’s words also mark a turning point in her public persona. As a former No. 1 pick and Rookie of the Year, she has generally avoided controversy. But by speaking out so strongly, she’s joining Caitlin Clark and others in calling attention to what many players believe is a deeper issue: officiating inconsistency that directly affects outcomes.

This isn’t the first time the Fever have felt targeted. Earlier in the season, both Clark and head coach Stephanie White were fined for criticizing referees after questionable calls. Fans argue that punishing criticism instead of fixing the problem only makes things worse. Now, with Boston exposing Wilson’s free throw parade, the league faces even louder scrutiny.

Even analysts couldn’t ignore the numbers. Several former players on ESPN’s postgame panel admitted they had “never seen anything like it” in a playoff elimination game. “If you’re a Fever player, you feel cheated,” one analyst said. “You can compete with heart and effort, but you can’t beat the whistle.”

For the Fever, this loss stings more than most because it felt stolen. Despite the uphill battle, they clawed back from double-digit deficits, hitting clutch shots and forcing overtime. Yet every time they gained momentum, a whistle would stop the game and send Wilson to the line. Boston herself fouled out late after a questionable call, leaving the Fever without their anchor in crunch time.

The bigger question is how the WNBA responds. Will Engelbert and the league office acknowledge the controversy, or will they fine Boston for her honesty? Fans are already bracing for the latter, but some believe the pressure has reached a tipping point. With social media amplifying every questionable whistle, the league may no longer be able to sweep officiating issues under the rug.

At the heart of this storm lies a painful reality: fans want to believe in the purity of the competition, but games like this shake that faith. Boston’s boldness to expose the imbalance puts the spotlight squarely on the WNBA’s credibility.

One thing is clear: Aliyah Boston didn’t just call out 26 free throws — she called out the integrity of the league itself.