The Fever's season ended in Las Vegas, but for Amber Cox, the message that mattered most was about the people in the stands back home. At Indiana's end-of-season news conferences, the general manager made clear where she stands on the criticism aimed at the team's supporters, and she had a pointed word for some of the people dishing it out. 

A 94-83 loss to the Aces in Game 3 closed out the first round, with A'ja Wilson scoring 36. The subject traced back to Game 2, when Wilson and a fan seated behind the baseline exchanged pointing and shouting. The fan was taken to the back of the arena, then returned to his seat once it was determined no code of conduct rule had been broken.

Cox took the criticism of Fever fans on directly Saturday, and she didn't soften her stance, according to the Associated Press. 

"The attacks on our fanbase have no basis in reality, and they need to stop, especially with members of the media,” Cox said as reported by the Associated Press. "I’m talking about media who have never been to a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse."

While defending Indiana Fever fans, Cox also stressed that there are limits to what should be tolerated, with anyone who crosses the line expected to face accountability.

"Every organization in the league, every organization throughout professional sports, all the way down to youth rec leagues, have to deal with occasional bad behavior from spectators. And anyone who crosses the line in an arena or online needs to be held accountable. I want to be really clear about that: There is a line, and people need to be held accountable if they cross it." 

However, Amber Cox wasn't the only Fever voice to address the subject. 

Kelsey Mitchell opens up about playing for the Indiana Fever

Kelsey Mitchell, who will be a free agent this offseason after a career-best year, also spoke about the fanbase in her exit interview, according to the Associated Press.

The guard has spent her entire career with the Fever since they drafted her second overall in 2018. In her interview, she spoke about what it's like to play in Indiana, including her interactions with some fans.

"I don’t think people really understand how much we endure,” said Mitchell, as reported by the Associated Press. "Like, if I showed y’all my DMs about the hate and all of the stuff that comes with being a professional athlete, but specifically being an Indiana Fever basketball player, it’s a lot that goes into that. And those days are hard as hell."

Indiana's season is over, but the conversation around its fans isn't going away. Amber Cox stood by the Fever's supporters and said the attacks need to stop, while Kelsey Mitchell offered a player's view of what it's like to play in Indiana.

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco