Bird’s Eye View with Sue Bird

Episode: Aliyah Boston on the Fever Making a Playoff Run & Playing With Caitlin Clark + Sue's Playoff Recap
Release Date: September 19, 2025

Overview

This episode of Bird’s Eye View dives into the WNBA 2025 playoff landscape and goes in-depth with Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston. Host Sue Bird and analyst Tommy Alter dissect the grittiness of the Fever’s playoff run, reflect on key series around the league, and then pivot to an insightful, personal interview with Boston herself. Aliyah shares her unique basketball journey from St. Thomas to NCAA stardom to three-time WNBA All-Star and offers candid thoughts on playing alongside Caitlin Clark, handling expectations, and growing as a pro.

Playoff Recap & Analysis

The Fever’s Resilient Identity (03:20–12:15)

• The Fever clinched their first semifinals berth in a decade, defeating Atlanta, with Aliyah Boston delivering in crunch time.

• Grit over execution: The team’s “be resilient” mantra fueled their playoff climb despite injuries and adversity.

  “When her team needed her most, she had 11 points and 5 rebounds in the second half plus the game-winning basket.” – Sue Bird [00:31]

• Growth of young players like Lexie Hull and the bolstering effect of seasoned vets (Odyssey Sims, Ariel Powers, Natasha Howard).

• The difference-maker is veteran presence and “grit”—even superseding offensive execution in clutch situations.

  “Vets find you ways to win, and that’s really what stood out.” – Sue Bird [04:35]

The Role of Superstar Closers (10:07–11:30)

• Kelsey Mitchell’s first-half takeover (19 points) and Jordan Canada’s defensive adjustment for Atlanta.
  • Indiana showed adaptability as Boston and others stepped up when Mitchell was contained.

Across the League: Defensive Pressure (12:15–24:12)

• Defensive intensity and “broken play” success are common playoff themes (Phoenix, Indiana, Vegas).

• Discussion of pivotal New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury series.

  • Phoenix’s relentless pressure and Liberty’s offensive stagnation highlighted the need for teams to adapt on the fly.

• Sue Bird advocates flexibility: shift offensive game plans when old tactics stall.

  “If another team is taking that away from you in such a way, I just go somewhere else…That’s playoff basketball, by the way. Finding another way.” – Sue Bird [21:21]

Late-Game Strategy Observations (24:12–30:29)

• Two recent playoff games featured teams down one, not fouling in the final possession—a shift from convention.
  • Sue debates whether trapping/fouling to extend the game gives you better odds, using football time management as an analogy.

Odds & WNBA Championship Outlook (30:31–33:03)

• Reviewing Finals odds: Minnesota Lynx favored, Aces close, Fever big underdogs.
• Best value picks seem to be the Aces, but Tommy jokes about “riding with the Fever” for the ultimate risk.
• Praise for expansion Valkyries: built a strong team culture and fan base in record time.

Featured Interview: Aliyah Boston

(begins at 36:10)

Rising from St. Thomas to WNBA Stardom

Early Life & Basketball Roots (36:11–41:54)

• Grew up in St. Thomas, USVI; began basketball thanks to her dad, who put her in every sport.

• Played in a co-ed league with very few girls; trained outdoors, influenced toughness and adaptability.

  • Memorable moment:

    “I played in a co-ed league. There were probably about three girls total that played… We would work out and we would be on outside parks…Every Saturday morning at 6am we’re outside on the park working out.” – Aliyah Boston [40:39]

• Moved to Massachusetts at 12 for more opportunities.

  • Huge weather and cultural adjustment:

    “I’m now in a winter coat, going to school. And we would take the bus in the morning. So we’re waiting at the bus stop and I’m like, this is actually ridiculous.” – Aliyah Boston [37:45]

High School & Recruiting (45:25–51:08)

• Lived with her aunt for school and AAU; parents visited for holidays.
• Holidays were the toughest part emotionally, missing large family gatherings.
• Early on, defined her ambition as, “I want to go to college and come out debt free.” [44:21]

College Years & South Carolina (49:34–60:21)

• Chose South Carolina for its “family feel” and honesty from Coach Staley.
• Developed gradually: added range, playmaking, and refined footwork every season.
  • “I remember, I feel like I took my first jumper… maybe sophomore year of college, because I was so comfortable just on the block.” [42:21]
• Became a more complete player each year, incorporating Coach Staley’s advice.
  • “She was like, aaliyah, you need to be a better passer. When the ball gets on the block, you need to be able to find your teammates.” [51:47]

Handling Adversity & Motivation (60:21–64:09)

• COVID cost her a likely NCAA title in 2020 (“I was crying after that”), then came the “cry meme” after losing at the buzzer in 2021.

  • “That cry meme was the most frustrating thing. I get it. Every commercial doesn’t have to have it. Marsh Madness is happy. People do win…it was overkill. I get it. We lost. Thank you. I understand. But it was like, every time someone saw our team, that was the image.” – Aliyah Boston [62:43]

• Used heartbreak as fuel: “It gave me motivation… I won’t be denied in that sense of, like, missing a shot that I would make on average. That’s just not what I’m going to do.” [63:19]

NIL Era & Financial Mindset (65:30–68:38)

• Saw NIL as an investment opportunity and a new beginning for players.
• Staley brought in financial advisors and emphasized smart saving (“Uncle Sam is coming!”).
• Embraced others’ success: “I don’t care how much I’m getting paid. If you’re getting paid, too. That’s how it should be.” [66:52]

Relationship with Coach Dawn Staley (68:58–69:53)

• Deep trust and mentorship, even beyond graduation—Staley acts as a second mom and sounding board.

Pro Career: Rookie to All-Star

Draft & Rookie Year (70:09–74:53)

• Drafted #1 in 2023 by the Indiana Fever, “didn’t know anything” about the city.

• Set immediate goal: become Rookie of the Year.

• Major adjustment: impact of frequent losing in the pros vs. always winning in college.

  • “I lose a game, and I’m like, what did I do? Why did I miss a shot? How did I do this?... All the lows were hit. I was like, why are we losing? What am I doing wrong? Like, I’m in the back… freaking out.” – Aliyah Boston [73:01]

• Stayed authentic:

  “I don’t think your first year has to be changing who you are… I came in the league and I was like, listen, I am a dominant low post player, and that’s what my focus is.” [75:50]

Playoff Experience & The Caitlin Clark Effect (78:06–86:03)

• Fever missed playoffs her rookie year, but added Caitlin Clark in the draft.

• Admitted it was “weird” transitioning from college competitors to teammates.

  “I just want to say I’m, like, really upset that you did what you did in that Final Four game… you didn’t have to go for 40 on our dome.” – Aliyah Boston, joking with Clark [78:23]

• Noted immediate media/fan pressure with Clark joining, and the adjustment required for a new playing style and spotlight:

  “We weren’t given that grace period of, like, getting to play with someone like that you’ve never played with…we’re learning.” [80:16]

• Social media scrutiny became background noise—she learned to log off and focus internally.

• Detailed how she and Clark complement each other, specifically in pick-and-roll, and praised Clark’s passing and vision.

• Dispels rumors of locker room drama:

  “It’s so easy for people to just make all these assumptions…every single night we come out, we want to play good.” [83:18]

• First taste of playoff basketball flaunted the difference: “There was a jump in intensity and energy. Isn’t it crazy? It’s insane…Their [Connecticut’s] experience was like…they picked something off here, they did this, we missed the easy shot…the experience that we didn’t have definitely showed.” [84:47]

Year Three and Chasing a Title

Becoming the Hunted (86:09–88:50)

• Expectations shift—from “up and coming” to championship contender after big free agent signings and internal growth.
• Navigating major injuries (including Clark), roster turnover, and team chemistry challenges.
• Next-woman-up mentality:

  “Whoever is next, be ready to play…whoever’s here in our circle, we’re here to hoop and that’s how we’re gonna play.” [88:50]

Growth as a Leader & Impact of Vets (90:24–91:47)

• Addition of more veterans (Howard, Mitchell, Colson, Cunningham) credited for helping steady team through adversity.
• Sid Colson singled out as a crucial, positive locker room presence:

  “She knows exactly what to say. She knows exactly how to say it, how to be in your ear and just continuously talking to you, and it’s just like, it’s perfect.” [91:24]

Consistency & Personal Standards (91:47–94:47)

• Aliyah’s identity: consistency through highs and lows, believes teammates’ belief in her is a key driver.

  “I hate missing shots. Missing shots is so frustrating because, like, why…especially for me, being a post player, missing shots around the rim is my biggest frustration.” [92:40]

• Sets yearly goals: all-star starter, averaging 18/10/5, long playoff run.
• Focus for the season: deeper run and ultimate championship.

  “When this season’s over…what would be a successful year for you? Ooh, winning a championship, but also I think making a deeper playoff run than we did last year.” – Aliyah Boston [94:47]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On handling adversity:

  “The L’s are what shape you…It gave me motivation…I won’t be denied in that sense of, like, missing a shot that I would make on average.” – Aaliyah Boston [63:19]

• On the Caitlin Clark effect:

  “Everyone loves Caitlyn. They love watching Caitlyn…they might come in for Caitlin and they leave and they’re like, dang, this girl’s a Hooper, too.” – Aaliyah Boston [80:16]

• On social media pressure:

  “For you to come in and tell me, like, dang, you’re like the worst person I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s like, you know what, hear me out. I’m going to exit. I am going to exit.” – Aaliyah Boston [80:55]

• On embracing new expectations:

  “We are coming here to win this thing. Like, that’s what it is. And that’s not going to change no matter what, because you want to win. You’re a competitor, you want to win.” – Aaliyah Boston [87:20]

Key Timestamps

• 00:31–03:01: Playoff intro, Fever’s journey and Boston’s clutch play
• 03:20–12:15: Fever’s resilience, veterans, and playoff philosophy
• 24:12–30:29: Deep-dive on late-game strategy and modern defensive schemes
• 36:10–47:36: Aliyah Boston’s childhood and transition to the U.S.
• 49:34–60:21: College experiences, Coach Staley influence, handling loss
• 62:43–66:16: The “cry meme,” channeling disappointment into success
• 70:09–78:06: Entering the WNBA, rookie setbacks and learning curves
• 80:02–83:49: Playing with Caitlin Clark, media/fan scrutiny, Fever locker room culture
• 84:33–90:24: Learning from early playoff exposures and the role of veterans
• 93:47–94:47: Current goals, definition of success for 2025

Tone and Highlights

The episode is candid, insightful, and celebratory with an undercurrent of competitiveness and resilience. Sue Bird’s questions are supportive, sometimes playful, always engaged, while Aliyah Boston is open, humorous, and realistic about the growing pains and excitement of building something special in Indiana. The conversational, player-to-player dynamic allows for honest reflections rarely heard elsewhere.

For New Listeners:

If you’re new to WNBA or unfamiliar with Aliyah Boston, this episode offers a crash course in the mindset of a modern star, the reality of pro basketball culture, and a behind-the-scenes look into the evolution of a playoff contender. You’ll leave both entertained and informed.