"Can’t do it without CC commanding double teams" - Fans react to Aliyah Boston's steep drop off in stats in absence of Caitlin Clark

Since entering the WNBA two years ago, Aliyah Boston has emerged as one of the most talented young centers in the league. In recent weeks, however, Boston's production has taken a dip and fans have taken notice.

On Thursday, betting site Underdog posted a Tweet that shows a significant decline in Boston's numbers this season when she isn't playing alongside Caitlin Clark. With Clark in the lineup, the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year averages 18.6 points on 13.1 field goals and 10.3 rebounds per outing.

But, in Clark's absence, Aliyah Boston puts up 11.0 points on 7.2 attempts and 4.4 boards per game.

Boston's statistical drop in Clark's absence drew some heated reactions from fans online.

"Lmaooo they tried to tell me that Boston was the star though. Looks like she can’t do s*** without CC commanding double teams and hitting her in pick n rolls," one fan tweeted. "casuals don’t have a single clue how offense gets ran."

Meanwhile, other fans were more optimistic in their comments.

"Great players make each other better. CC and AB have such great chemistry. CC knows exactly where to get AB the ball, and AB is tremendous at catching those tough passes and finishing. Such a fun tandem to watch," one fan commented.

Last month, Clark sustained a quad injury that kept her out of action for five games. On June 14, CC returned resoundingly to help the Fever defeat the defending champions New York Liberty.

Boston, however, will have to find a way to thrive without Clark as the Fever guard was ruled out of Thursday's matchup with the LA Sparks due to a groin injury.

Aliyah Boston achieves career milestone in victory vs. Storm

Though Clark's absence will be felt yet again in the game against the Sparks, Aliyah Boston is heading into the game with the momentum of achieving a personal milestone.

On Tuesday, the 6-foot-5 center logged a new career high as she posted 31 points in the Fever's 94-86 victory over the Seattle Storm.

Showcasing her versatility, Boston also had eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals to lead Indiana to their seventh win of the season.

About the author

Simoun Victor Redoblado is an NBA and WNBA journalist at Sportskeeda with over 12 years of experience writing for publications such as Collider, ALL-STAR Magazine, and Sir Charles in Charge.

Simoun has a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education, Major in English and Minor in journalism. Thanks to the journalism courses that he took, Simoun understood the fundamentals of journalistic storytelling in the context of sports writing.

Passionate for the UP Fighting Maroons, Simoun is a fan of the NBA, PBA, UAAP, and FIBA.
His childhood team was the Chicago Bulls and Simoun was a longtime supporter of the Houston Rockets because his friends would say he looked like Yao Ming.

Simoun loves the systematic, tactical movement of the ball and the players, the stories behind each individual competing on the hardcourt and most of all, how basketball is a sport for life and all its struggles and lessons.

A father of two, Simoun spends his free time with his kids.

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Edited by Simoun Victor Redoblado