Aliyah Boston overshadows Caitlin Clark’s role in Indiana Fever and fans open an unexpected debate

Boston stole the limelight against the Atlanta Dream

Boston in actionÁngel ColmenaresEFE

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever returned to action on Thursday night, hosting the Atlanta Dream. Entering the game with a 3-10 record, the Fever secured a crucial 91-84 victory, adding a much-needed win to their season tally.

The Fever have struggled primarily due to the inconsistency of their supporting cast. However, Thursday’s performance showcased a revitalized team dynamic.

Indiana’s offense flowed more smoothly than in any previous game this season, with fans pointing to a key factor in their success in Aliyah Boston’s outstanding performance.

On a night when Clark faced criticism, Boston stepped up significantly. The promising center delivered a career-high performance, scoring 27 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, marking her second consecutive double-double of the season.

Boston stole the limelight

While Clark remains the team’s leading scorer, averaging 16 points per game, fans are increasingly advocating for Boston to take on a more central role.

Many fans expressed that Clark was being overshadowed by Boston‘s stellar performance, calling for the team to recognize Boston as the primary offensive option.

Thursday’s game illustrated Indiana’s potential when their game plan clicks. Boston‘s exceptional play not only elevated the team but also sparked discussions about her future role and the overall strategy for the Fever.

As the reigning 2023 Rookie of the Year, Boston‘s impact is becoming more apparent, suggesting she might be the linchpin for Indiana’s ongoing success.

“People Forget He’s a Rookie”- Luka Doncic Eases Expectations on Dereck Lively II Following Game 4 Performance

Luka Doncic and Dereck Lively II (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Dallas Mavericks had the last opportunity to remain in the NBA Finals, and they made the most of it by snatching a 122-84 win in Game 4 over the Boston Celtics. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving mostly looked after the offense. However, they needed a third player who would come through to make an impact. The player was none other than Mavs rookie Dereck Lively II. His outstanding performance earned him praise from the franchise’s superstar.

During the post-game press conference, Doncic’s face lit up when asked to share his thoughts about Lively. Praising his teammate for the double-double contribution, the Slovenian said, “I think people forget he’s a rookie doing this stuff. He’s been amazing the whole season, just watching him grow has been unbelievable.”

Friday night was the first time since mid-November last year that Lively attempted a shot from behind the 3-point arc. But when Doncic passed him the ball, the 7-foot-1 center could hold himself back and shot a marvelous bucket from the deep. He finished the night with 11 points and 12 rebounds by shooting 4-of-5 from the floor.

However, his on-court performance helped the Mavs maintain their supremacy in the game, and his off-court actions also benefitted the team.

Dereck Lively’s Pep Talk to Luka Doncic Revealed

During the game, Luka Doncic appeared more focused and wasn’t seen arguing with the game officials about any decision. The secret behind this was Dereck Lively’s pep talk to the five-time All-Star.