Aliyah Boston has identified key areas for the Indiana Fever to improve before the team takes on Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. The Fever has suffered consecutive losses, as its record stands at 4-4. The Dream, on the other hand, has had one of the most successful starts to its season in recent years.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have faced each other five times thus far in the WNBA, and the Iowa native has won the matchup four times. However, the upcoming game might not go the same way, given Clark’s recent offensive struggles.
Boston talked to the media during the Fever’s recent practice session and highlighted two crucial areas to improve. She said:
“I think (No.) 1, make sure we clean up the glass and not giving teams second-chance points, which I think is gonna be super important against (the #Dream)”
Reese has just made WNBA history after she became the fastest player in the league to reach 900+ points and 900+ rebounds. She is averaging 11 rebounds per game thus far. As Boston said, she will have her hands full on the glass, as the Dream’s center has done some stellar work rebounding the ball.
Boston also stated that “early communication” will be the key in the next game. Head coach Stephanie White highlighted that Boston was on minutes restrictions, and Clark was subbed out with her. That means the two will have to establish chemistry early and give direction to the team’s offense.
The Dream leads the league in rebounds and offensive rebounds (11.1). For Clark, this might be the best opportunity to come out of her offensive woes and make a statement with her performance against her long-time rival.
“Had to make sure we flush Portland,” Aliyah Boston aims to move on from humiliating loss
In basketball, players are encouraged to have a short memory so that they quickly move on from a good or bad phase. Aliyah Boston aimed to do that, as she suggested that the short break between the Fever’s last game and the next one provided a much-needed rest for the team after a difficult loss.
The Fever was completely blown away by the Portland Fire, 84-100, in the last game, as the team’s defense suffered badly. Boston explained the team’s mentality after that game and said:
“It was pretty good (the break). Obviously, we had to make sure we kind of flush Portland but just looking at different ways we can grow, especially with that Valkyries game… Just make sure that we are ready for each game.”
Head coach Steph also highlighted similar concerns to the media before the next game. However, she also added that the rebounding “has to be a collective effort,” as the bigs are often busy keeping other bigs out of the paint. Sophie Cunningham, Lexie Hull, and Caitlin Clark’s roles on the board will be big, especially in the initial quarters.
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