'You guys made it special.' Fever players not surprised Indy showed WNBA fans so much love during All-Star Weekend
Cleone and Algernon Boston — parents of Indiana Fever forward and WNBA All-Star Aliyah Boston — were in town for this weekend's WNBA All-Star Game. And every time Cleone saw a massive photo, advertisement or any sort of promotional material involving her daughter, she made sure to send it to the family group chat.
"They loved it," Aliyah smiled. "(And) it was great having them in town for a little bit."
The past week has showcased what Fever players and Indiana natives have long known: This state loves its basketball and when it comes to hosting massive sporting events, very few can do it better.
The scene Saturday night was incredible with Gainbridge Fieldhouse packed to the rafters and the sold-out crowd of 16,988 fully engaged, maintaining its energy from start to finish of Team Caitlin Clark's 119-95 loss to Team Napheesa Collier.
"That was special. That was really, really special," said Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell, who led Team Clark with 20 points. "You guys made it special. I think everybody played a big part in making this weekend what it was supposed to be. Shout out to the city of Indianapolis for putting on a great show for everybody and hopefully the players from the W, from the other teams, enjoyed themselves."
"Honestly, I'm not surprised," Boston added. "Anything that has to do with basketball and sports in general, Indy shows out and they get loud. They filled that arena tonight and let those athletes know they really support them."
To Boston's point, it wasn't just the Fever players who felt the love. New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu drew raucous ovations every time she was shown during Friday's skills competition, and there were roars from the crowd with the introduction of each all-star on Saturday — including Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, who got some of the loudest cheers of the night.
"The weekend has been absolutely incredible," team captain and Fever guard Caitlin Clark said. "I hope every player in this league, whether you're participating in the game tonight or were in the 3-point competition and skills competition or were just here to enjoy All-Star weekend, I hope they felt the same and felt the love from the city."
The support shown this weekend in Indianapolis has become the standard for Fever fans and increasingly across the league.
Asked if she's used to the new standard the league has established in terms of support and attendance, Mitchell replied simply: No.
"And here's why, I see a new celebrity that day I watched on TV growing up at the game every day now. So I'm just like, what is happening?" she continued. "People want to see what women's basketball looks like at the highest level and we as the players want to provide a good product. And the idea is that you want people to keep packing this place in — but I'll never get used to it. Ever."
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