Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, two standout players for the Indiana Fever, have a unique pregame routine that has caught the attention of fans. Before each game, the teammates and close friends share a heartfelt hug on the bench that helps fuel Boston’s confidence. This ritual highlights the strong bond they share as top performers and former first-round draft picks who have both earned Rookie of the Year honors.
Boston opened up about this pregame hug ritual during her recent appearance on Candace Parker’s Post Moves podcast, revealing how it all began.
“It really just started one game where we just game each other a hug and she was like, ‘You’re gonna be amazing because you are amazing’ and then I said it back,” Boston told Parker. “We’ve just done it every game, even though she has been out for a while. I make sure that I get my pregame hug.” (Timestamp 44:10)
This exchanged encouragement has become a key source of motivation for Boston before stepping onto the court.
“You just feel it. You’re like, ‘You know what? I am gonna be amazing.”
When asked if this ritual will continue in upcoming games, Boston laughed and affirmed that she and Caitlin Clark will never stop sharing those pregame hugs.
Caitlin Clark Calms Boston During Intense Moments on the Court
During a tense game on Tuesday between the Fever and the Dallas Wings, which ended in a narrow 81-80 loss for Indiana, Aliyah Boston had a strong showing with 14 points, five rebounds, and an assist. However, frustration flared when Boston found herself in foul trouble and began arguing with a referee near the end of the third quarter.
Recognizing the danger of escalating the situation, Caitlin Clark acted quickly to intervene. A fan captured the moment on video where Clark approached Boston, gently nudging her arm and helping her back away from the official to avoid further conflict. Boston responded to the gesture and stepped away calmly, while Clark glanced back at the referee and smiled, defusing the tension.
The Impact of Their Bond on Team Dynamics and Confidence
The ongoing pregame hug ritual and supportive actions between Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark reveal the importance of their friendship for maintaining composure and confidence during high-pressure games. This connection not only strengthens their individual mental focus but also positively influences the team’s dynamics during intense matchups.
As both players continue to build their careers with the Fever, these moments of encouragement and mutual support could play a pivotal role in helping the team navigate challenges and improve their performance in upcoming contests.