Aliyah Boston Calls Kelsey Mitchell the Toughest Player to Guard in the WNBA

During a media day in Chicago, Indiana Fever big‑woman Aliyah Boston didn’t waste any time pointing out who makes her work the hardest on the court. While fielding questions about the upcoming All‑Star Game, Boston laughed and said, ‘I think Kelsey Mitchell’s the hardest person to guard on the floor.’

Boston, a 6‑5 powerhouse who’s seen every kind of scorer the league throws at her, knows the drill. She’s been bruised by legends, but Mitchell’s mix of speed, shooting range and crafty dribbling feels different. ‘She can go back door, she can beat everyone off the dribble, and she creates her own shot any way she wants,’ Boston explained, a grin evident even through the microphone.

For a guard who’s been the Fever’s go‑to scorer for six seasons, those words are a high‑pitched compliment. Mitchell, now 30, is averaging 23.3 points per game, plus 2.7 assists, 1.7 rebounds and a steal each night. That production finally earned her a starting spot in the All‑Star lineup – a nod she’s long deserved after years of solid, if sometimes overlooked, work.

Boston thinks the recognition is overdue. ‘It’s about time people give Kelsey her flowers right now,’ she said, leaning into the sentiment. ‘She makes teams have to scheme differently. She just puts her head down and keeps working.’

Mitchell’s journey hasn’t been a straight line. Drafted second overall in 2018, she stuck with Indiana through a rebuilding stretch before helping the Fever crack the postseason in 2024. Rather than chase a championship elsewhere, she stayed, and her loyalty has only sharpened her game.

The All‑Star showdown will pit the two teammates against each other – Boston on Team Spoon, Mitchell on Team Coop. That sets up a fun scenario: will Boston be forced to guard the very player she called the toughest matchup? Fever fans in Chicago are already buzzing, hoping for a friendly showdown in isolation.

Whatever the outcome, Boston’s message is clear – guarding Kelsey Mitchell is easier said than done, and the league finally seems to be noticing just how special she is.