On Thursday, Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston gave her MVP vote to Kelsey Mitchell over another teammate, Caitlin Clark. Ahead of Friday’s showdown against the Dallas Wings, Boston emphasized Mitchell’s efficient scoring and defensive effort as the reasons for her choice.
Her comments quickly caught the attention of Skip Bayless, who questioned whether publicly taking a side was helpful as the Clark-Mitchell MVP debate continues to intensify.
Skip Bayless Challenges Aliyah Boston After Fever Star Gives Kelsey Mitchell MVP Edge Over Caitlin Clark
Mitchell and Clark have been two of the WNBA’s most productive players this season. Their traditional numbers, advanced metrics, and overall impact have naturally put both in the MVP conversation.
Boston, however, was clear about where she stood when reporters asked her to assess Mitchell’s season.
“She’s really just the MVP. I think that’s just what she’s been doing,” Boston said. “Every single night you see her come out and she drops I don’t even know how many points at this rate. She defends her butt off. … I’m really proud of her.”
Bayless saw the interview and shared his thoughts on the All-Star center’s comments.
“Maybe I’m making too much of this. Maybe I’m overreacting, but today, I saw Aliyah Boston say of her teammate Kelsey Mitchell, ‘She’s really just the MVP.’ And the more I thought about it, the less I liked it because I ask you, exactly what good does it do for Aliyah Boston to say that publicly about Kelsey Mitchell when a lot of people out there think Caitlin Clark is making a bid for MVP?” Bayless said.
The veteran commentator then explained why he believed Boston’s comments could create an unnecessary issue.
“It disturbs me because, as we all know, Caitlin Clark has enough issue with the rest of the league despising her or at least despising her fandom, much of which is white,” Bayless continued. “Caitlin is blamed for sort of instigating and inspiring, which is hogwash. She goes out of her way to be non-controversial.”
While the MVP conversation continues to unfold, Clark herself has been openly supportive of Mitchell. Following Indiana’s 106-92 win over the New York Liberty on Tuesday, the three-time All-Star had nothing but praise for her backcourt partner.
Clark called Mitchell the “best scorer in the league, hands down,” underscoring how “fun” it is “to be in the backcourt with her.”
The numbers help explain why both players remain firmly in the discussion. Mitchell ranks second in the WNBA in scoring, averaging 24.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while Clark is averaging 21.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steals a night, along with 8.2 assists, tied with Alyssa Thomas for the league lead.
Mitchell has the clear efficiency edge, shooting 50.9% and 44.5% from 3-point range. Meanwhile, Clark is shooting 44.3% overall and 36.1% from deep.
Boston’s endorsement and Bayless’ reaction add voices to an increasingly competitive MVP conversation, but the race will ultimately be decided by what happens on the court.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.