Becky Hammon Analyzes Aliyah Boston’s Scoring Challenges in Fever vs Aces Playoff Series
Aliyah Boston’s Defensive Triumph Against Aces’ A’ja Wilson
Aliyah Boston’s defensive prowess has become a focal point in the WNBA Semifinals, primarily due to her task of guarding Las Vegas Aces’ superstar and two-time reigning MVP, A’ja Wilson. Her defense was notably impactful during Game 1, contributing significantly to the Indiana Fever’s victory on the Aces’ home court. However, while Boston’s defensive skills are crucial, her offensive contribution remains vital as well.
Offensive Challenges Facing Aliyah Boston
Despite being Indiana’s second-most important player after Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston’s offensive performance has been underwhelming. In Game 1, Boston scored only 6 points on 3 of 9 shooting from the field. She improved slightly in Game 2, scoring 10 points on 5 of 9 shooting, yet Indiana suffered a defeat to Las Vegas by more than 20 points. This 8-point average in the playoffs contrasts sharply with her regular-season average of 15 points per game, suggesting a need for improvement if Indiana aims to reach the WNBA Finals.
Becky Hammon’s Insight on Boston’s Offensive Performance
Las Vegas Aces’ head coach, Becky Hammon, addressed the media regarding Boston’s challenges on offense. She highlighted that the issue might be more about opportunities not coming her way rather than her offensive skills. “We anticipate they’ll strive to create more scoring chances for her in the upcoming games,” Hammon stated, emphasizing their focus on post defense and limiting opponents’ touches.
Strategies from Fever’s Coach Stephanie White
Indiana Fever’s head coach, Stephanie White, also weighed in on the need to involve Boston more initially. White pointed out that the Aces’ defensive strategy makes it difficult to get the ball to Boston. She highlighted the importance of quicker movements and better timing in passing, referencing their struggles due to the absence of key players like Caitlin Clark. White further encouraged Boston to take more shots from the mid-range, as the Aces are not defending her aggressively from 15 feet out.
| Game | Points Scored by Boston | Field Goals Attempted |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | 6 | 9 |
| Game 2 | 10 | 9 |
Looking Forward to an Intense Game 3
Both coaches anticipate that Aliyah Boston will be more active in Game 3. With adjustments in strategy and increased opportunities, Boston could play a pivotal role offensively alongside her defensive duties, impacting the series outcome in favor of the Indiana Fever.
Recommended Reading
- Understanding Defensive Strategies in Basketball
- Analyzing Player Performances in High-Stakes Games
