Aliyah Boston's 2025 WNBA season with the Fever wasn't just another year; it was her favorite season yet. But how could a season marked by injuries and a playoff exit be so special? Let's dive in and find out what made this season so memorable for the star forward.
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster for Fever fans. They celebrated the Commissioner's Cup win, and witnessed the team's impressive run to the playoff semifinals. However, the joy was often tempered by the absence of key players like Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, Aari McDonald, and Caitlin Clark due to injuries. The postseason series against the eventual champion Aces was a nail-biter, with Indiana pushing it to a Game 5 despite their depleted roster.
Aliyah Boston, a cornerstone of the team's success, shared her reflections with Sports Illustrated on behalf of The Court Is Hers, an initiative co-founded by the Fever and Lilly, aimed at boosting girls' participation in Indiana basketball.
Boston highlighted that, despite the challenges, the camaraderie within the team made the season exceptional. The coaching staff's positive energy, even after losses, fostered an environment of growth and excitement.
"I know when you look at it from a whole, it’s like, how could this have been so special, especially with all the injuries that we have?" Boston said. "But I think [it was] just the people that we had in the locker room. And it started with the entire coaching staff, they made it so exciting to come in and work, even when we came off losses. ... We continued to find different areas of where we wanted to grow, which I think excited me the most."
This positive energy carried through the playoffs. Even though the Fever's journey ended earlier than hoped, Boston saw it as a valuable learning experience. "Making it to Game 5 of the semis obviously didn’t end the way we wanted to,” she said, “but I think it showed us as individuals, you know, how we can continue to impact the game, regardless of who’s on the floor. [Those were] growing moments for us.”
And this is the part most people miss... The team's secret weapon, according to Boston, was fun. She emphasized the natural connections and friendships within the team, which extended beyond the court. These bonds, she believed, significantly enhanced their on-court performance.
Now in the offseason, Boston is playing in Unrivaled, the 3v3 league co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. She's currently the Phantom's second-leading scorer and leads the team in rebounds, steals, and blocks.
Looking ahead to her next WNBA season, Boston is focused on expanding her game and improving her consistency. She's also dedicated to inspiring the next generation of athletes through her platform and work with The Court Is Hers.
"I never take it for granted,” she said of influencing the next generation. “It’s an opportunity that I would never trade. ... Sometimes, I’m still in awe that I’m really at this level, but it's honestly such a great feeling.”
It's fascinating to see how a team's spirit and relationships can overshadow challenges and contribute to a memorable season. Do you think team chemistry is the most underrated factor in sports? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
