In a surprising turn of events, Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston seemingly took aim at Angel Reese while voicing her support for Caitlin Clark, who was recently named Time Magazine’s 2024 Athlete of the Year. The controversy arose after Reese publicly criticized the award, claiming it overlooked the collective achievements of WNBA players. Boston’s comments, however, appeared to counter Reese’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of recognizing individual excellence.
“Caitlin has had an incredible year—on and off the court,” Boston said during an interview on Friday. “It’s not about diminishing anyone else’s contributions, but rather celebrating the strides we’ve all made. She’s inspired a lot of people, and that deserves acknowledgment.” The statement came as a stark contrast to Reese’s earlier remarks, which labeled Clark’s honor as an “overstep” and sparked heated debates among fans and analysts.
Boston, who has consistently been an advocate for unity in women’s basketball, didn’t name Reese directly but alluded to the divisive nature of her comments. “We all work hard, and there’s room for everyone to shine. Turning this into a competition over recognition doesn’t help the league,” Boston added. Her measured response resonated with many, earning praise on social media for fostering camaraderie within the sport.
Reese, who has a history of making bold statements, had earlier expressed frustration over Clark’s accolades, calling them indicative of favoritism. However, Boston’s remarks suggest a different perspective, focusing on collective growth rather than internal disputes. “Awards like this bring more visibility to women’s basketball. Instead of arguing, we should leverage it to elevate everyone in the league,” Boston noted.
As the conversation around Clark’s Time Magazine recognition continues, Boston’s comments serve as a reminder of the broader mission: advancing women’s basketball as a whole. Whether Reese will respond to Boston’s pointed statements remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Caitlin Clark’s impact has stirred both admiration and controversy within the sport.