Caitlin Clark’s second WNBA season hasn’t gone exactly to plan. The star guard has missed more than half of Indiana’s games with a nagging right groin injury, and her absence has forced the Fever to rethink how they play – especially on the offensive end.
Aliyah Boston, now in her second year, has been one of the key voices navigating that shift. In the first episode of her new podcast Post Move, co-hosted with Candace Parker, Boston gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at what changes when Clark isn’t in uniform.
“Everything is spaced when she’s out there,” Boston said. “The defense stretches the second she crosses half court. Without her, the floor closes up a bit.”
That lack of spacing has made it harder for Indiana to run the free-flowing offense fans saw earlier this season. Clark’s deep range and instant gravity opened up driving lanes and passing options. Now, the Fever are leaning more on ball movement, multiple actions, and Kelsey Mitchell’s attacking ability to generate offense.
Aliyah Boston: “It’s a Mental Adjustment Too”
With no timeline for Clark’s return, the Fever are learning how to compete on the fly
Boston noted that the team has focused on pushing plays to the “second and third side” – essentially working the ball around until the defense breaks. It’s been a group effort: Mitchell is averaging over 20 points per game, and Sophie Cunningham has become a reliable perimeter weapon.
Still, the team’s rhythm isn’t quite the same. Clark’s ability to launch from deep not only scores points but shifts defensive attention in ways few players can replicate. “They’re afraid to double in the post when you’ve got shooters like that on the wings,”Boston added.
Clark has now missed four straight games post-All-Star Weekend, with no official word on a return. ESPN recently floated potential trade options for Indiana, including a possible move for Dallas Wings forward Myisha Hines-Allen to help stabilize the rotation.
Boston’s message remains steady: adapt, compete, and take the court like every game matters. The Fever aren’t folding – but they’re definitely adjusting.
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