When Indiana Fever sensation Aliyah Boston shows up courtside, expect fireworks—not just on the court but from her own playbook of antics. On Tuesday night, Boston graced TD Garden to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Boston Celtics in an NBA Cup clash. While her basketball brilliance usually shines in the WNBA, this time, she stole the show from the sidelines.
Boston, clearly backing the undefeated Cavs in a nail-biting contest, couldn’t contain her courtside passion. In the dying minutes of the fourth quarter, she took it upon herself to channel her inner Gregg Popovich, vehemently urging Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson to challenge a controversial out-of-bounds call. The moment, a beautiful mix of intensity and hilarity, immediately went viral.
Atkinson, perhaps sensing the undeniable wisdom of the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year, relented and took the review. To Boston’s delight—and perhaps everyone else’s entertainment—the challenge was successful.
But that wasn’t the end of her sideline saga. Boston, never one to shy away from social media humor, later reposted the moment on her Instagram story with a caption that perfectly captured her larger-than-life personality:
“I literally have to be stopped.”
Boston’s plea came with 1:12 left on the clock, as the Cavs trailed by seven. The play in question was a toss-up between Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Cavs guard Darius Garland. Initially, the refs awarded possession to Boston (the team, not the player), but thanks to the challenge, the Cavs got the ball. Moments later, Donovan Mitchell sank a clutch three-pointer, pulling Cleveland closer. While the Cavs ultimately lost 120-117, Boston’s spirited courtside coaching kept the game—and the crowd—electric.
Fans Can’t Get Enough of Aliyah’s Sideline Energy
As the video circulated on every corner of the internet, fans and fellow players alike couldn’t help but chime in. Boston also took to X (formerly Twitter), humorously confessing:
“I try my best to be quiet, but I can’t help it.”
Fans quickly dubbed her a future coach in the making:
- “Aliyah Boston, the Cavs’ secret weapon, confirmed.”
- “This is gold. Somebody get her a clipboard and a suit.”
- “CC (Caitlin Clark) is rubbing off on you. Bad influence, LOL!”
The comparisons to Caitlin Clark’s courtside antics from her Iowa days only fueled the banter. But Boston isn’t just a viral queen; she’s a baller through and through. The Fever star had a stellar WNBA season, leading her team to the playoffs before bowing out to the Connecticut Sun.
