The Indiana Fever has finally secured a playoff spot after eight years of waiting. While much of the spotlight has understandably focused on WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, who’s been leading the league in assists, it would be unfair not to recognize the valuable contributions of other key players who have been instrumental in the team’s success this season. Among them is a key contributor who leads the Fever in rebounds, and her efforts have gone unnoticed by former legend Sue Bird.

Recently, Sue Bird discussed Fever’s splendid run in the league post-Olympic break and pointed out how Aliyah Boston has revamped her game, which has been a huge plus point for the team. “I noticed sitting there for The Fever, which was two things, and both are about their posts. One, Aliyah Boston’s ability to now play make, whether it’s out of a pick and roll, when teams start to run at her, she’s making the right read, hitting Kelsey Mitchell a bunch on those back doors,” stated Bird via A Touch More.

At just 22 years old, the reigning Rookie of the Year has continued to shine this season, averaging 13.4 points and pulling down nine rebounds per game. Leading the Fever in rebounds, she’s also been a defensive force, averaging 1.4 blocks per game, which is the highest on the team. Boston has also hit double-doubles on eleven occasions this season.

The former Seattle Storm star also mentioned, “Aliyah Boston’s playmaking is a really great sign for her as a player. Anytime you can add something to your game, especially as a post, in terms of playmaking, it’s always going to be important. But I think it’s really part of the play that they have. It’s part of that cog, her ability to find those players.” Aliyah Boston has topped the rebounds in four out of seven games Fever has played post-Olympics. While Sue Bird has acknowledged Aliyah Boston, there is no denying that the most heated topic from Fever’s side is Caitlin Clark’s rookie season and her ROTY race.

Caitlin Clark: The heated topic of her ROTY candidacy and rookie season’s performance

Since Caitlin Clark’s WNBA debut, she’s been a central figure in the Rookie of the Year debate with her rival, Angel Reese. Recently, a former college football star weighed in on the conversation, highlighting why Clark might have the edge in the ROTY race.

What Caitlin Clark in this team has been since going into the All-Star break and certainly coming out of this in the W is probably going to give her the edge. We also value offense in a way that we just don’t do a lot of other things. And Caitlin is produced really highly at that level in a way that Angel just does not,” said Mike Golic Jr.

At just 22, Caitlin Clark has already set a new record for the most points in a rookie season for the franchise, surpassing the legendary Tamika Catchings. Clark has been a standout, averaging 18.7 points per game and topping the league’s assist chart with 8.4 assists per game. While she is already one of the top ROTY contenders, there have been arguments placing her in the MVP debate as well.

The rookie’s former assistant coach at Iowa recently said, “

I don’t think there’s been anybody as consistent and really the last two she does, but when you really know her, when you come to watch her, what you didn’t think that you liked about her when you get to see everything that’s not always on camera… But the way she sees the game, the expectations she has of her teammates, the way she’s constantly surveying and expects this, then you kind of understand, right?” 

While Clark continues to be a hot topic in the WNBA, Sue Bird’s recognition of Aliyah Boston’s contributions reminds us not to overlook the vital performances of other key players on the team.

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show.” Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.