Indianapolis
The Fever are working to solidify a comeback after overcoming a seven-point deficit to grab the lead during a late May matchup against the Valkyries.
With just 20 seconds remaining, a defensive miscue by Golden State allowed Kelsey Mitchell to connect with Raven Johnson for a corner three-pointer, igniting cheers from the home fans.
However, the excitement of the moment quickly turned chaotic for Johnson, who, in her eagerness, fouled Veronica Barton nearly the length of the court, sending her to the free-throw line before any player even reached half court.
This situation exemplified a classic rookie blunder, yet it offered an important learning moment—one that Aliyah Boston readily embraced.
Boston stood near half court, reassuring Johnson with a hand on his shoulder and some guidance. Despite being only 24 and in her fourth year, Boston has taken on a leadership role within the team.
This isn’t new territory for her. Boston considers herself a natural speaker, although she recognizes that being a great talker doesn’t always equate to effective leadership. Those skills are ones she’s honed over time, thanks in part to her college coach, Dawn Staley.
Her leadership also became essential last season as injuries hit the Fever hard. Boston had to step up, mimicking a point guard role which typically requires vocal leadership.
These challenges have contributed to Boston’s development this season, making her a constant source of guidance for the Fever, whether during practice, in the locker room, or on game day.
That pivotal moment against the Valkyries helped Johnson regain his footing in the game, leading to immediate results. In the fourth quarter, he either scored or assisted on the first seven points, including setting up a layup for Boston, pushing the lead into double digits and sealing the victory.
Leadership often unfolds behind the scenes, but this game provided fans a rare glimpse of its significance.
For quite some time, it has been evident that the Fever feature star players like Caitlin Clark, Boston, and Mitchell.
Yet, sometimes, it’s worth saying things outright. So, during preseason, head coach Stephanie White gathered the trio to reinforce their important roles.
“From the very beginning, we realized we had to work closely as a unit to lead the team effectively,” Boston shared about White’s message on SBNation. “It feels different from last year. Since I was out, I felt reconnected with the group. Honestly, I believe we’re doing quite well.”
They’re among the longest-standing players on the team, especially considering roster changes in recent drafts that have made them three of the four most tenured Fever players.
For Boston, White’s encouragement confirmed her importance to the team’s communication; she took that confidence into this season, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Aliyah is always the first voice we hear in our meetings,” Clark noted. “Her voice is strong and present, both during games and practices.”
Being the vocal leader doesn’t detract from Boston’s performance. In fact, she’s stepped up her game.
This season, she’s averaging a career-high 17.2 points and grabbing 8.6 rebounds per game. A big part of her scoring boost is her improved 3-point shooting, hitting 44.7 percent on 2.5 attempts, and an impressive free-throw percentage of 83.8 percent.
“Discussing the game is invaluable; it helps in understanding the nuances of teams and players,” Boston expressed. “The more you analyze, the clearer things become.”
While Boston is excelling this season, those within the Fever recognize last year as pivotal for her development.
It was a tough season marred by injuries. With mid-season roster changes, many players had to step up, making her role as a point guard crucial.
“There were times last year when she was our point guard,” noted Clark. “That role demands constant communication and a firm grasp of the game.”
Last season, Boston achieved a rare milestone, joining only two others in league history to record at least 350 rebounds and 150 assists in a single season, demonstrating the impact she can have as a communicator, even when not in the traditional point guard role.
“My positioning was key to how we played last season,” Boston stated. “This year, I’m focused on continuing that growth.”
“Leading from the post is also vital. While guards have the ball, communication remains crucial,” she added.
The connection between Boston and Clark has proven to be one of the most effective in the league. Boston’s passing ability complicates defensive strategy, especially as she moves toward the basket after a screen from Clark.
This season, Boston stands out as one of only two players with a combined rebound and assist rate above 20 percent. The Fever are leaning on her more than ever, which is evident from her usage rate reaching a career-high of 27.8 percent.
“She’s consistent,” White commented. “She maintains her composure, even when frustrations arise. She’s an exceptional communicator, making smart plays and fostering team unity, which is essential for us.”
Boston’s learning experiences from the challenging 2025 season are set to aid her growth in 2026. The Fever, as a team, have faced difficulties in maintaining consistency this season. Offensively, they lead the league in points per game, but defensively, they rank near the bottom in goals allowed.
The ups and downs are evident; a recent four-game winning streak is notable, especially following Clark’s final game in Washington. Yet, this streak was preceded by a tough loss to Portland, where the team fell behind by as many as 26 points.
Through it all, Aliyah Boston remains a consistent force for the Fever.
