Aliyah Boston is experiencing a breakthrough season with the Indiana Fever, having secured her third consecutive All-Star selection and becoming the third-youngest player in <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA history to surpass 1,500 points. Her journey has been marked by resilience, notably recalling a pivotal moment from her rookie year that helped shape her rise in the league.
Remembering the Defining Moment of Boston’s Rookie Season
During a recent appearance on Post Moves hosted by WNBA icon Candace Parker, Boston described a defining incident early in her career. The moment came in a game against New York in 2023 when she took a hard hit from Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. Boston explained,
“Betnijah Laney-Hamilton hit me straight with the forearm right here in the center of my chest and I just remember falling,”
Boston said.
“But really it wasn’t even meant for me, it was meant for my sister girl Lyss (NaLyssa Smith) who had hit her a little bit on a screen too hard and Betnijah wanted a foul call and the ref was like, ‘I just didn’t see a foul.'”
Continuing, Boston added,
“She was like, okay, well you’ll see one the next time and yes, indeed they did, but I was on the receiving end of that.”
Boston said.
“I still remember because it really was a hard hit. But you know we’ve talked about it, so it’s okay.”
This moment not only symbolized a physical trial but also represented Boston’s initiation into the toughness demanded by the WNBA.
Progress and Growth Following the Impactful Encounter
From that rookie season impact, Boston’s game has evolved remarkably. She made history by becoming the first rookie to lead the league in field goal percentage, posting an impressive 57.8%. In the 2025 season, she maintains a strong performance with a 53.8% shooting rate, even with increased usage on the court.
Her development extends beyond scoring efficiency. Boston’s playmaking skills have grown significantly, demonstrated by her rise to 3.8 assists per game, nearly doubling her rookie average of 2.2 assists. Her assist rate climbed to 20.6%, and she improved her assist-to-turnover ratio to 2.05 from 1.19, reflecting greater decision-making and confidence in her role.
Defensively, Boston continues to prove her value, averaging one block and one steal per game, while also enhancing her defensive rebounding rate to 19.9%, up from 17.5% as a rookie. Her all-around improvements have established her as a dependable cornerstone for the Fever.
Boston’s Leadership Driving the Fever’s Improved Record
Aliyah Boston’s growth has translated into team success for the Indiana Fever, who hold an 18-14 record midway through the season, already surpassing their win total from her rookie year by five games. Her evolution from a promising rookie into a steady leader shows the impact of embracing challenges and learning from difficult moments.
Boston’s reflection on the hit she absorbed speaks volumes about the toughness of the league and her own determination. As she continues her trajectory of excellence, Boston is shaping her legacy as a vital presence in the WNBA.