Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, both former No. 1 overall picks, are raising expectations in Indiana as the Fever aim to return to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2015.

Aliyah Boston

The Indiana Fever are entering the 2025 season with more confidence, and muscle, than ever, thanks in large part to Caitlin Clark’s noticeable physical transformation. Her teammate Aliyah Boston, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, isn’t holding back her admiration.

During media day, Boston highlighted Clark’s increased strength as a game-changer. “People always talk about her shooting, but her ability to finish through contact is what stands out to me this year,” Boston said. “She’s getting to the paint, taking hits, and still scoring. It’s impressive.”

Social media was abuzz in March when new photos of Clark went viral, showing off her enhanced physique. According to Her Hoop Stats, Clark converted 62% of her shots within five feet last season, and that number could rise even more now that she’s physically stronger and more aggressive around the rim.

A rising core with title ambitions

While Indiana made key offseason acquisitions in Natasha Howard and DeWanna Bonner, the real growth may come from within. The core trio of Clark, Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell is being touted as the foundation for a deep playoff run.

Boston, who averaged 14 points and 8.9 rebounds in 2024, is coming off her second straight All-Star appearance and has also expanded her game as a passer. “It’s all about evolving,” Boston said. “We all bring different things to the floor, and now we’re learning how to blend that together.”

Clark, known primarily for her deep shooting, led the league with 355 three-point attempts in her rookie year and averaged 19.2 points per game. But with her improved interior play, she’s no longer just a perimeter threat.

The road to a comeback season

The Fever finished last season at 20-20 and narrowly made the playoffs, but this year’s goal is much bigger. The franchise hasn’t reached the WNBA Finals in a decade, and with the momentum behind their young stars, that drought could finally end.

Indiana kicks off its preseason on May 3 and will open the regular season on May 17 against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky, another rookie sensation making waves.

With a stronger, sharper Caitlin Clark and a confident, dominant Aliyah Boston leading the way, the Fever’s title hopes suddenly look very real.