A’ja Wilson received her record-setting fourth MVP in the league. She looked unstoppable in the second half of the 2025 season and powered the Aces over the Seattle Storm. She was once again the focal point in the series against the Indiana Fever. Sophie Cunningham teased a secret weapon against Wilson.
Cunningham’s predictions were spot on as Aliyah Boston successfully defended the Aces’ superstar. Here is what the Fever youngster said about her plan to stop the seven-time All-Star.
Aliyah Boston Tried To Annoy A’ja Wilson
The 2023 rookie took over the responsibility of countering Wilson. She had her own strategy, letting go of her offensive output. After the first quarter ended, AB spoke with the ESPN broadcast and simplified her strategy.
“Honestly, just trying to kind of be annoying a little bit, because A’ja is a pretty great player. So for me, just trying to make sure my presence is felt,” Boston said.
The young rookie succeeded to a great extent, looking at the numbers. Wilson averaged nearly 30 points in the playoffs, but could score only 16 points against the Fever. Her efficiency dropped below 25% in the game, impacting the Aces’ offensive flow.
"Honestly just trying to kind of be annoying a little bit."
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 21, 2025
Aliyah Boston kept it real on Indiana's defensive strategy for the MVP A'ja Wilson 🤣 pic.twitter.com/owtFyVjVJr
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Moreover, when Boston guarded her on 35 possessions, Wilson managed only a 16.7% effective field goal rate. Under AB’s pressure, Wilson struggled in the paint. While the Fever forward prioritized defense, Kelsey Mitchell took over the offensive load, scoring 34 points in the game. HC Stephanie White addressed Boston’s low-scoring output, but earlier highlighted the importance of stopping Wilson.
Stephanie White Reveals Plan For A’ja Wilson
Ahead of the game, HC Stephanie White also highlighted the importance of stopping the 2023 Finals MVP to advance to the finals. She pointed out that there is a massive challenge and a need to accept a few points from the offensive star.
“I mean, look, she’s just special. There’s just no other way to put it. She’s convicted, she works her tail off, she understands what it takes… She’s one of the best players in the world, and there’s a reason. And she brings a tremendous challenge night in and night out. Look, you just have to try to make things difficult [for Wilson]. Great players are gonna find ways to do what they do. You just have to try to make it as challenging as you possibly can. Make them earn it. Nothing easy, don’t bail them out, make her earn it. And then when they do, you live with it,” White added.
In the opening game of the series, the Indiana Fever held off the former South Carolina star to clinch victory. They will look to work on similar lines to advance to the finals. Both teams will face each other next on Tuesday, September 23.