Fever’s Best Passer Without Caitlin Clark Isn’t Who You’d Expect

The Indiana Fever entered the 2025 WNBA season with high expectations, hoping to build off Caitlin Clark’s sensational Rookie of the Year performance in 2024. After a remarkable debut season that saw Clark finish fourth in MVP voting, she was expected to lead the Fever not only back to the playoffs but also toward championship contention in Indy. However, things haven’t gone as planned, as Clark has been sidelined due to injury for much of the season.

Clark’s latest setback, a right groin injury, has kept her out for 13 consecutive games, and there’s still no clear timetable for her return. With the Fever’s playoff hopes hanging in the balance, other players have had to step up, and one player in particular has proven to be unexpectedly key to their success: All-Star center Aliyah Boston.

The Absence of Caitlin Clark

When Caitlin Clark went down with her injury, the Fever were left without their star playmaker, a situation that could have derailed a young team with championship aspirations. Clark’s vision, scoring ability, and leadership had made her the face of the franchise. The loss of her playmaking — especially with the team’s playoff hopes on the line — presented a major challenge for the Fever.

However, the team has managed to weather the storm, and their recent performance, including a thrilling comeback win over the Connecticut Sun, has shown their resilience. Despite being down by as many as 21 points, the Fever rallied for an overtime victory, proving that they were more than just Caitlin Clark’s team.

Aliyah Boston Steps Up

While much of the focus has been on Clark’s injury, one player has quietly emerged as the Fever’s most effective passer in her absence — and it isn’t who many would expect. Aliyah Boston, the All-Star center who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, has been stepping up in a major way.

In the Fever’s recent victory over the Sun, Boston played a central role in the comeback. She logged 36 minutes, contributing 14 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. In doing so, she also tied her career-high for assists on the season, with 126. Boston’s development as a playmaker has been one of the bright spots for the Fever in 2025, and it’s been crucial to their success without Clark in the lineup.

From her rookie season in 2023, Boston has shown noticeable growth in her passing ability. In her first year, she averaged just 2.2 assists per game, but in 2025, that number has jumped to 3.6 assists per game under first-year coach Stephanie White. To put that in perspective, Boston now has 28 more assists than any other center in the league — a remarkable feat for a player still in the early stages of her career.

This growth has not only helped Boston contribute in ways beyond scoring but has allowed her to fill a gap in the Fever’s offense, especially with Clark’s absence. While Boston has always been known for her scoring and rebounding, her ability to facilitate and create opportunities for her teammates has added another dimension to her game.

The Fever’s Playoff Push

With nine games left in the regular season, the Fever find themselves in a tight playoff race. At 19-16, they are just one win away from matching last season’s total and two games behind the Phoenix Mercury for the No. 4 seed in the playoffs. The team’s current standing gives them a chance to secure a playoff berth, but the competition is fierce.

Boston’s all-around game has been vital in keeping the Fever competitive without Clark. Along with Kelsey Mitchell, the Fever’s other star player, Boston has helped anchor the team both offensively and defensively. Mitchell, who has also stepped up in Clark’s absence, will continue to be a key player for the Fever in the final stretch of the season.

However, the road ahead won’t be easy. Back-to-back games against the WNBA-best Minnesota Lynx — who are currently 25-9 — will provide a major test for the Fever, especially as they continue to push for a playoff spot. But if Boston continues her stellar play and the rest of the team stays locked in, the Fever could still have a shot at a strong finish.

Boston’s Growing Role

Boston’s emergence as the Fever’s best passer has made a huge impact on the team’s ability to function offensively without Clark. Her passing vision and decision-making have become more refined as the season has gone on, making her one of the most well-rounded players in the league. If Boston continues to play at this level, she could make a legitimate case for All-WNBA honors by the end of the season.

Moreover, Boston’s development as a passer has become a crucial piece in the Fever’s offensive scheme. Coach White has emphasized the importance of having players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, and Boston’s ability to be a playmaker has allowed the Fever to remain competitive even with their top scorer sidelined.

Looking Ahead

The Fever’s playoff hopes are very much alive, but they will need strong performances from all of their players — particularly Aliyah Boston — to make it to the postseason. With Clark’s return still uncertain, the team will continue to rely on Boston’s leadership and playmaking ability to carry them through the final stretch of the regular season.

As the Fever look ahead to their remaining games, including the two critical matchups against the Minnesota Lynx, it’s clear that Boston will play a central role in their success. Her growth as a passer has been one of the keys to keeping the team afloat without Clark, and if the Fever can continue to get contributions from their stars, they could still make a run at the playoffs.