Ahead of the Indiana Fever’s game against the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, head coach Stephanie White expressed concern about Aliyah Boston’s declining impact and reduced role.
In two games played after the WNBA season resumed following the FIBA World Cup, Boston failed to reach double digits in scoring and took a combined 14 shot attempts. Against the Toronto Tempo, she scored eight points on 3-of-6 shooting. She then followed it up with seven points on 3-of-8 shooting against the Washington Mystics.
Prior to the WNBA break, she was averaging 16.9 points on 52.7% shooting. She was also attempting 12.2 shots per game.
“I’m concerned — we gotta get AB going,” White said in her pregame press conference. “We gotta find a way to get her some touches. She’s gotta be a focal point of everything that we do.”
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Fortunately for White and the Fever, Boston responded with her best game since returning to the WNBA. Against the Lynx, the Indiana center recorded 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting, along with seven rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Boston also had the best plus-minus rating on the team (+23), further highlighting her impact. Indiana beat Minnesota, 96-77.
Speaking to reporters after the win, Boston was asked what adjustments she made after White’s comment about needing to get her going. According to her, she focused on the team’s transition offense and finishing close to the basket in order to recapture her form.
“I think for me, just running in transition, trying to get early seals, finishing around the rim and just taking what the defense is giving me,” Boston explained.
Indiana certainly needs Boston to be at her best in order to fully unleash its offensive potential. Fortunately, the team was able to resolve the issue ahead of the WNBA playoffs.
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