The Indiana Fever will enter the 2025 WNBA playoffs without one of their brightest stars. Caitlin Clark, who battled a string of injuries this season, including a quad strain, groin issues, and an ankle bone bruise, will miss the remainder of the campaign.
But for Aliyah Boston, Clark‘s absence doesn’t mean her influence on the team is over.
In a recent appearance on the “Post Moves” podcast with WNBA legend Candace Parker, Boston offered insight into Clark’s role behind the scenes and how the Fever have adapted in her absence.
“I mean, that’s our girl. You know that’s our girl. And I look like no matter what happened, you have to protect yourself,” Boston said.
“And you have to protect your career. There’s no reason to force anything. And I feel like her just kind of having that approach of doing what’s best for her is all we can ask for. Because we’d rather [have] Caitlin sit out and then come back next season, and we’re ready to roll.”
Boston also highlighted Clark‘s continued presence in the team environment.
“We’ve been supporting her, and she’s been supporting her,” Boston added. “She’s always there. We’re watching a film and she’s there taking us through.”
With Clark sidelined, the Fever face a significant challenge. The team will also be without key contributors Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham, and Aari McDonald, forcing Indiana to rely heavily on Boston, Lexie Hull, and Kelsey Mitchell as they aim for a postseason run.
Fever look to Boston and Mitchell to carry the load
Boston has been a standout this season, averaging 15.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
Meanwhile, Mitchell has shouldered much of the scoring burden, putting up 20.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on average.
The duo has been crucial in keeping Indiana competitive, particularly in matchups against teams like the Atlanta Dream.
Despite the setbacks, the Fever secured the sixth seed in the regular season with a 24-20 record, marking their second consecutive playoff appearance.
While losing Clark is a major blow, Boston believes the team’s cohesion and resilience will be key in navigating the postseason.
The Fever will need to lean on their depth and adaptability as they prepare for their first playoff matchup on Sunday, September 14.
Boston‘s ability to elevate her game, alongside contributions from Hull and Mitchell, will determine how far Indiana can go without their star guard.
As the Fever approaches the postseason, Boston‘s perspective underscores an important reality in professional sports: leadership and influence extend beyond the stat sheet.
Clark may be sidelined, but her impact on Indiana’s culture remains strong, and Boston is poised to translate that influence into tangible results on the court.
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