Aliyah Boston's flagrant foul carries automatic WNBA fine after Fever loss to Mercury

The Indiana Fever walked away from Wednesday night's 111-109 loss to the Phoenix Mercury with more than just a heartbreaking defeat. After Caitlin Clark exited in the third quarter with a back injury, Indiana nearly rallied for the win behind another outstanding performance from Aliyah Boston. But late in the fourth quarter, the Fever center was also assessed a Flagrant 1 foul that comes with an automatic financial penalty under WNBA rules.

Boston finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists and one steal, but her physical play in the closing minutes became another talking point from a game that featured several controversial moments.

Aliyah Boston assessed Flagrant 1 in fourth quarter

With just over two minutes remaining, Boston was battling for position while protecting the basketball when her elbow caught Mercury star Kahleah Copper in the face. Officials reviewed the play and ultimately ruled it a Flagrant 1 foul.

Copper converted both free throws following the review, extending Phoenix's lead during the closing moments of a game the Mercury would eventually win by two points.

While many Fever fans felt Boston was making a natural basketball move, the officials determined the contact met the standard for a Flagrant 1.

MORE: WNBA fans call out Mercury's social media post after Caitlin Clark exits with injury

What Boston's flagrant means under WNBA rules

The ruling also has financial consequences. Under WNBA rules, every Flagrant 1 foul is worth one flagrant point and carries an automatic $500 fine. The foul assessed against Boston was her first flagrant foul of the 2026 season.

The league also tracks flagrant points throughout the season, with additional discipline for repeat offenders.

Current escalation under WNBA rules includes:

• Flagrant 1: One flagrant point and a $500 fine

• Flagrant 2: Two flagrant points and a larger fine

• Four total flagrant points: Automatic one-game suspension

Because Boston has accumulated just one flagrant point, she is nowhere near an automatic suspension. However, any future flagrant fouls will add to her season total.

Fever endure frustrating night

Boston's flagrant foul was just one of several contentious moments during Wednesday's matchup. Earlier in the game, Clark left with a back injury after another physical contest, while an incident involving Alyssa Thomas also sparked significant discussion among fans and on social media.

Despite the loss, Boston continued her strong season with another efficient offensive performance and nearly helped Indiana erase a late deficit after Clark exited. The Fever and Mercury won't have to wait long for another meeting. The teams are scheduled to face off again on July 10 in Phoenix, where emotions are expected to remain high after two physical games this week.

More WNBA news:

• Caitlin Clark shows abs and USMNT pride before Fever-Mercury matchup
• The basketball world is starting to agree on one thing about Olivia Miles
• Mercury lose surprise rookie sensation as contract is temporarily suspended
• A'ja Wilson's technical foul could come with costly consequence after Aces blowout win
• Angel Reese's flagrant foul vs. Fever could come with immediate consequence