This has been a season filled with controversial calls. And despite the league heading into the playoffs, nothing has changed much. And the Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings match was a prime example of it, as one officiating mistake affected the result. Commentating live on the match, Rebecca Lobo slammed the controversial decision on live TV, watching the review and complete play.
She earlier predicted the decision would go in Indiana’s favor, but the final verdict shocked the former WNBA superstar. The Fever lost the game 81-80 against the Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse arena.
Rebecca Lobo Points Out Controversial Call Against Indiana Fever
The moment came in the fourth quarter. While the officials had already made multiple wrong calls throughout the game, this one was decisive. Li Yueru got the ball below the ring and was looking to overpower Aliyah Boston, who was defending the Wings’ center. Their hands intervened in the paint with the offensive player trying to score, driving to the basket.
She netted the layup with hustle, but AB got a whistle for a foul on the and-1 play. Shocked Fever star pleads for review. The Fever coach, Stephanie White, immediately challenged. During the review period, Rebecca Lobo explained the play and predicted that the referee’s call would go in Indiana’s favor.
Rebecca Lobo couldn't believe this foul on Aliyah Boston was not overturned pic.twitter.com/HAqMU6mE3b
— Paolo Songco (@PaoloSongcoNBA) August 13, 2025
“The interesting thing is, when you get to this point of the play, it is a foul on Boston. But it’s because her arm was clamped earlier in the play. … What can she do here? I certainly think this is going to be overturned,” Lobo said during live commentary.
But the referees decided another way and upheld the call, giving Yueru a chance for a three-point play. She banked the free throw, taking her tally to a new career high of 20 points and giving the Wings an 81-74 lead in the game.
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“What?! That’s stunning to me,” Lobo exclaimed during commentary. Even though Lobo praised the Indiana Fever previously for its impact on the league, she was on point with her recent assessment.
While it was the last bucket for the Texas-based team, it was the deciding one as they hold off late surge from the hosts and won the game with an 81-80 scoreline.
Indiana Fever in Deep Trouble After Dallas Wings Loss
The team fared well without Caitlin Clark for a stretch, but losses against stronger opponents like Liberty and Sparks raised some questions over their capabilities. They held on to the fifth spot with a 17-14 record, but inconsistency was always a big issue for them throughout the series.
Now, a loss against the Wings once again opened a can of worms. No legit point guard, over-dependence on Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell were visible aspects in the loss. On top of that, the absence of CC made things worse.
Although Caitlin Clark’s return would solve many offensive issues, the franchise has yet to provide any positive news on the same. ESPN also rated the Fever at sixth position in its power rankings, and after the loss, that’s where the team stands, closer to the early exit from the season.