Indiana Fever Teammate on Shaky Ground as Caitlin Clark’s Injury Triggers National Reporter’s Cold Dose of Reality

“I think sometimes when we use the term ‘hub,’ oftentimes they think passing all the time, and it’s not. It’s using her to get into another action.” When Stephanie White took on coaching duties for the Indiana Fever, she envisioned building the team around Aliyah Boston. And while she has always been a staunch supporter of Caitlin Clark, the head coach believes that Boston can become the engine of the Fever’s attack. And Boston did not fail the head coach. Proof? Through four games this year, she’s averaged 15.7 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, shooting over 59% from the floor. But this is sports, and there’s a twist.

A quick glance at the last season will tell you that Boston spent a considerable chunk of her time on the court as part of a more traditional lineup, mostly rolling alongside power forwards NaLyssa Smith or Temi Fagbenle. And if the data provided by WNBA.com is to be believed, then Boston played 1,054 of the 1,236 minutes alongside another big. But now, and it’s all thanks to White’s efforts, she is on the 3-point line, passing the ball from the top. But her priority? Being comfortable in every position she plays in.

But that was somewhat of a struggle last year. She had rocky moments finding that on-court chemistry with Caitlin Clark, but they eventually figured out a way to make plays. But with Clark sitting out for at least two weeks due to a strained left quad, it seems like trouble for Boston and the entire Fever roster has just begun. And voicing that same concern is National reporter Ros Gold-Onwude on the latest episode of the Good Follow podcast.

“So much of her success, which has been great, very much comes from the work she’s doing with Caitlin Clark in the pick and roll. The two of them are fantastic together, and Aliyah does a great job of reading the defence’s attention on Caitlin and making the right read. Her versatility, like it’s not just a roll to the rim; she’ll pick and pop, she’ll hit a mid-range jumper. She’s been great, but now what happens when it’s not Caitlin creating that for you or working in that with you?”

If last year is anything to go by, then it is safe to say that both Clark and Boston formed the most dynamic pick-and-roll duo. With 105 dimes, the 23-year-old assisted Boston more than any pair connected in the W. And the shocking bit? It doesn’t account for all of the offense Boston generated out of the short roll when the defense had trapped Clark beyond the 3-point line. The former USC forward has become adept when reading defenses and proficient when it comes to generating shots for teammates with additional screens and handoffs.

Now, fast forward to the Washington Mystics game, and we see how limited Boston’s touches were. Her teammates struggle to get her the ball in the half-court enough to be a facilitator. But that was not the only shortcoming; they fell short in utilising her as a screener as well. And after that handoff with Sydney Colson in the first half-court possession of the game, which gave her the opportunity of a clean jumper at the free throw line, she didn’t touch the ball for the coming four possessions.

Finally, Boston managed to convert the cross-court pass from Colson in the opposite corner, and her team finally scored on an offensive rebound. She finished 4 of 5 from the field and tied with a team-high four assists. Other than that, Boston contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds. But it was evident that the Fever needed more in the 6-point loss, shooting just 39.7% from the field and a dismal 23.8% from three.

Indiana Fever shrinks in Caitlin Clark’s absence

Caitlin Clark’s latest injury was nothing short of a threat to the Indiana Fever’s roster. And while Stephanie White took the news of her injury gracefully, it seems like all hell broke loose without the star athlete in the picture.

Fever stepped on the CareFirst Arena with a fool-proof plan to send Sydney Colson at point guard and Sophie Cunningham as the second handler. But Brittney Sykes and Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen did not provide Fever with a chance at defence. The Mystics shot an impressive 43.5 % from the field and carved up Indiana for 48 points in the paint. And if that doesn’t scream Fever’s defensive shortcomings, we don’t know what does. They gave up 12 offensive rebounds, allowing Washington far too many second-chance opportunities and easy putbacks.

The opponents ensured that Boston failed at capitalising on her defences and limited her effectiveness. She attempted just five shots in 29 minutes, which stood as a sharp contrast to her 19-shot explosion against Liberty just a few days earlier. In what can be referred to as the most disappointing appearance for the Indiana Fever this season, with 83-77, Cunningham referred to the defeat as, “I think this was a kind of gut punch for us.” And rightly so!

The recent loss only cemented the belief that the team was heavily relying on Clark and served as a wake-up call. Not just for the players but for White, too. And even Boston crumbled in her first stint without Clark, instead of emerging as a standout player for the team and the Fever fans. Does Fever have what it takes to survive the coming games?

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