Aliyah Boston reveals Caitlin Clark's struggles when she crosses paths with Angel Reese
Boston explained why Fever were hardly surprised when Clark’s reaction became the latest talking point involving Reese
Aliyah Boston didn't see Caitlin Clark ’s reaction in real time. Once she saw the clip later, though, the Indiana Fever center knew exactly what was coming.
Clark had already helped Indiana survive a tense 95-91 overtime victory over the Atlanta Dream on August 16 when another moment from the game began spreading across social media.
Angel Reese had missed a potential game-winning putback at the end of regulation, and cameras then caught Clark in the background appearing to smile as Reese stood with her teammates.
The brief reaction quickly became another talking point in a rivalry that has followed Clark and Reese from college basketball into the WNBA .
Boston addressed the moment on the “Post Moves” podcast alongside Candace Parker , admitting the Fever didn't notice anything unusual while the game was actually unfolding.
“We saw it after, but like in real time you see nothing,” Boston said. “We saw it after and I was like, ‘Here we go.’ Just like peace, love and happiness. We will never be free.”
Her response captured the sense that almost any interaction involving Clark and Reese can become a larger story, even when the players themselves may barely register it.
Clark and Reese under constant scrutiny
The attention surrounding Clark and Reese has been relentless since their famous meeting in the 2023 NCAA national championship game, when Reese ’s “you can’t see me” gesture toward Clark became one of the defining images of LSU’s victory over Iowa.
Their move to the WNBA only intensified the focus, and every matchup between them has carried an extra layer of anticipation. The August 16 game offered plenty of basketball drama before the viral clip emerged.
Clark finished with 26 points and nine assists to lead Indiana, while Reese produced 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists for Atlanta. Reese nearly decided the game in regulation when she grabbed a missed shot from Rhyne Howard and attempted a putback at the rim.
The shot didn't fall, sending the contest to overtime and opening the door for Indiana to finish the job. Parker found Clark ’s reaction amusing and suggested it had produced one of the season’s most memorable memes.
Boston ’s reaction was less about the smile itself and more about what she knew would follow.
“No ‘cause like, we just, peace, love and happiness. We will never be free!” Boston said.
Fever stars magnets for viral moments
Indiana has found itself at the center of several social-media moments this season, something Parker also joked about during the podcast.
She referenced other incidents involving Fever players, including Sophie Cunningham ’s animated gestures and Paige Bueckers telling Clark to calm down.
“I would have been like Paige, too,” Parker said. “I’d have been like, ‘Calm down. I’m trying to foul you.’” Boston wasn't convinced: “No, I don’t care,” she replied.
The Fever have continued pushing forward amid the attention, while Atlanta responded to the loss by putting together a four-game winning streak and securing a playoff berth.
The viral clip may have lasted only seconds, but Boston ’s reaction made it thing clear that Indiana ’s players have become accustomed to everything involving Clark being examined frame by frame.
