Indianapolis — There has been a lot of discussion about the on-court chemistry between Indiana Fever players Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark. Since June 13, Boston has turned a turnaround, producing effective performances. If the counterargument is that the schedule has lessened, Boston produced another outstanding performance in Saturday’s victory over the WNBA’s best team, the New York Liberty.
Clark recorded the first-ever WNBA rookie triple-double on Saturday. Boston received four of the point guard’s assists. This is not unusual, but Clark has assisted on 53 of Boston’s 79 field goals this season. And 17 occurred in the first 13 games, but 36 were served when the Fever won six of their last nine. So, what is the cause? Did this connection simply require time?
Inherently, yes. The Clark-Boston pick-and-roll has only recently been a successful option, with opponents blitzing Clark less frequently. Back in May, it appeared that the majority of Boston’s plays came late in the shot clock, hastening the sophomore slump for the 2023 Rookie of the Year. Clark and Boston are currently prospering. And so has their friendship as off-court teammates.
“She’s such a positive light in our locker room,” Clark said about Boston following practice. “She’s been quite helpful during my freshman year, having gone through it only a year earlier. I think you can sense our chemistry is definitely improving. A lot of stuff has been created through gaming, so the more we practice together, the better it will become.”
Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston’s off-court interactions and interventions
Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) react following a basket against the Connecticut Sun.
Clark stated Tuesday that Boston is someone who will always have your back. That is how the series of whimsical and faithful encounters between them came about. Back on June 19, the Fever defeated the Washington Mystics. Clark was asked about making excellent passes routinely late in games. Her mind went blank after recounting an incident in which her pass to Boston was taken.
Boston stepped in, commended her abilities, and assured them that everything was fine.
Clark thanked her.
Clark answered all postgame questions three minutes into his press conference in Seattle two weeks ago. She then urged and, in some cases, demanded that reporters interrogate Boston.
On Saturday, Clark was modestly discussing her triple-double, not sure how to reply. So Boston stepped in and told the group of reporters how humble Caitlin is, jokingly saying the milestone was “pretty cool” and “great job sister!” Then, the other day, Boston shared a humorous workout vlog on TikTok featuring her, Clark, and Katie Lou Sameulson.
Samuelson joined the swarm of media after Tuesday’s practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and asked Clark whether she expected to see more TikToks from Boston. Clark joked that it remains to be seen, and that she can’t reveal all her secrets. The occurrences continue. Before speaking with the media, the players compete in the Fever’s halfcourt shot challenge to conclude practice.
Damiris Dantas was the first to succeed, and Clark followed suit later.
Katie Lou Samuelson joins the media scrum today: “I see you recently did a TikTok with [Aliyah Boston]. Can we expect more of those?”
Caitlin Clark: “Remains to be seen. Can’t give away all my secrets.” pic.twitter.com/IBZpc7fZYK
— Matthew Byrne (@MatthewByrne1) July 9, 2024
“You’ve already taken six shots!” Boston said immediately after she missed.
Fever youth grow closer midway through the season.
Whether the Clark-Boston pick-and-roll continues to improve throughout the season—OR the Fever can sustain this past 6-3 stretch and make the playoffs—it’s encouraging to watch the back-to-back No. 1 picks working so well together. Aliyah Boston has not always been accustomed to the pick-and-roll system and has had to adjust. Caitlin Clark, too, is converting to playing at this level.
Rather than being divisive, there are plenty of options: them having to adjust to each other’s games, the hard 11-game 20-day gauntlet to start the season with only two victories, Clark frequently taking the media limelight on the road, and everything else. It has strengthened their relationship. It’s matched with the duo appearing more relaxed and confident on and off the court.
It is best exemplified by their recently unleashed and improved transition offense.
“She’s a great voice,” Clark said. “She’s always there, whether things are terrific or not so great. She’s basically a steady presence in our locker room. I’m really grateful for her.”
