Remember when Aliyah Boston tapped Caitlin Clark on the back before the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Final? She would then pull her in for a hug, and Clark would say, “You’re going to be amazing because you are amazing.” That clip made rounds for days. But for the Fever loyals, it was just another pregame ritual they’d seen plenty of times. So how did it start? And why does it still continue? Boston has finally revealed the story behind it.
It has been a rough season for the Indiana Fever. What started as one of their most promising campaigns in recent memory, thanks to big acquisitions like DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sophie Cunningham, has now taken a turn. With injuries piling up, the team finds itself battling to hold onto its playoff position.
The Fever lost Sydney Colson to a knee injury and Aari McDonald due to a broken bone for the whole season. DeWanna Bonner has left the side to join the Mercury. And Clark? Well, she hasn’t suited up for the Fever in the last 11 games. According to ESPN’s WNBA reporter Alexa Philippou, Clark hasn’t even returned to practice. Yet, she’s still keeping team traditions alive and doing her part to make sure the chemistry stays strong despite all the setbacks.
In the latest episode of her podcast with Candace Parker, Boston reveals how it all began and credits Clark for continuing it despite being injured. “I mean, it really just started one game where we gave each other a hug, and she was like, ‘You’re going to be amazing because you are amazing.’ I said it back, and we’ve just done it every game. Even though she’s been out for a while, I make sure I get my pregame hug. I think it’s just nice to give that confidence to each other before every game, and we’ve continued to do that.”
This season kicked off with all eyes on Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston’s chemistry. In the first four games, Boston was on fire—averaging a career-best 18.5 points per game, with 19 of her 31 field goals coming off Clark’s assists. But things took a turn for the worse when the reigning ROY got injured. What was first expected to be a two-week absence has turned into just 13 games played all season, with Clark battling three different injuries along the way.
Has that stopped Boston from performing? Far from it! Coach White has repeatedly emphasized her plan to build the offense around Boston in Clark’s absence, and it’s paid off. In 33 games so far, the 6-foot-5 center-forward is putting up career highs in scoring at 15.1 points and assists at 3.6 per game. She’s also averaging 8.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks, while shooting an impressive 53.7% from the field.
Aug 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) and guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and forward Natasha Howard (6) during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Boston credits her pre-game ritual as one of the reasons behind her strong performances this season. “You’re just ready to go. You just feel it. You’re like, you know what, I am going to be amazing,” she said. And when Candace pointed out that there’s no reason to stop the hugs, especially with Boston stacking up big double-doubles, the All-Star smiled and added, “We are gonna hug again and keep going because you know how I feel about that—we’re never going to stop hugging.”
Credit to Caitlin Clark for showing up to support her teammates at every game instead of staying home and focusing solely on rehab. “I am gonna go to every road game, no matter what,” she assured. It’s a testament to the sisterhood within the Fever, a bond that won’t falter no matter the challenges they face. That said, the Fever have made two signings to cover for their injured guards. Here’s a closer look.
Indiana sign two more guards in Caitlin Clark and her teammates’ absence
With no Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald alongside Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever had no true point guard to play with. They won the game against the Chicago Sky without playing without one, while Sophie Cunningham and Kelsey Mitchell embraced the role.
The Fever did make a move by signing Odyssey Sims to bridge the gap, but her debut against the Dallas Wings, did not yield desired results. Coach Stephanie White has asked fans to be patient, noting Sims had little time to gel with the team. That said, it was clear that the Fever needed another guard on the side. And they have done just that by signing Kyra Lambert.
It will be fascinating to see how the Fever perform with two new faces while patiently waiting for Caitlin Clark to return. How would you rate these two acquisitions? Do you think they can help the team make a deep playoff run?
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