The WNBA semifinals deliver drama this year. Fans watch A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston battle it out. But there’s something special about the duo. These stars grew under Dawn Staley at South Carolina.
While Staely already named Wilson as the greatest WNBA player, the face-off might set the record straight in a tied series. As Game 5 looms large, the Las Vegas Aces host the Indiana Fever. And just a win sends either team to the Finals against the Phoenix Mercury.
Dawn Staley Remains Calm As A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston Clash
The Aces fought it with grace, while the Fever are putting in blood and sweat on the floor with an already shorthanded roster. Despite all this, UConn head coach Staley has all the good reasons to jump ship after the final results of Game 5 get clear.
Staley stays unfazed by the tension as she coaches both players to greatness. Wilson grabs MVP honors year after year, and Boston anchors the Fever’s frontcourt on the other hand. Staley calls it a no-lose situation, as she is mostly right.
“I’m actually pretty calm. I can’t lose. There will be a @GamecockWBB or two in the @WNBA finals. They are both built for this moment…dominating players on every level they have played. We are all. Now witnesses!” she tweeted.
I’m actually pretty calm. I can’t lose. There will be a @GamecockWBB or two in the @WNBA finals. They are both built for this moment…dominating players on every level they have played. We are all
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) September 28, 2025
Now witnesses! 🥰🥰🥰 https://t.co/eMfzKI4Nbm
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At South Carolina, Staley’s tough coaching shaped Wilson and Boston into elite competitors. Wilson has spoken about Staley’s relentless intensity, recalling how she demanded more even after big wins. Additionally, Boston has shared similar stories of grueling film sessions that honed their mental toughness.
A’ja Wilson-Aliyah Boston Have A Budding Rivalry
While Coach Staley is maintaining a positive mindset despite a tussled Semifinals series, A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston are growing into a new rivalry. In June, Wilson called out Boston for flopping, and in Game 3, she stared her down after a key play.
However, Boston responded in Game 4, sinking a crucial floater over Wilson late in the game to shift momentum. The Fever capitalized on free throws, outscoring the Aces 34-11 at the line, with Boston taking 13 attempts. Not to forget when Boston shut Wilson on her MVP night with her ‘annoying’ defense.