WNBA: Aliyah Boston helps power Fever to comfortable win vs. Fire

In her first game back from a lower leg injury, Aliyah Boston starred for the Indiana Fever, scoring 24 points to guide the team to a 90-73 victory over the visiting Portland Fire on Wednesday night in Indianapolis.

Boston was highly efficient, making 8 of 11 shots from the floor, while also contributing eight rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. Kelsey Mitchell added 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting, and Lexie Hull had a perfect night, finishing with 16 points on 4-of-4 3-pointers and 4-of-4 free throws.

The Fever played without superstar Caitlin Clark, who was ruled out less than two hours before tip-off. Coach Stephanie White explained that Clark "woke up with some stiffness and some soreness" in her back.

"It's not the time to take a chance. We just really want to be cautious," White said. "She's healthy. We're not managing anything. This is just a back issue that we want to make sure we give the time to."

Portland was led by Bridget Carleton, who scored 16 points and recorded three steals. Sug Sutton added 14 points and four assists, but the Fire never led in the game.

Indiana extended its lead to as much as 26 points following a 12-3 run in the third quarter, highlighted by Boston sinking a 27-foot 3-pointer off an assist from Mitchell.

The Fever made 9 of 28 three-pointers while holding Portland to just 3-for-16 from beyond the arc. Indiana also dominated the glass, 36-28, and tallied 21 assists on 28 made baskets. The Fever capitalized on 14 turnovers by Portland, scoring 20 points, with seven of those assists coming from Tyasha Harris, who started in place of Clark.

Monique Billings picked up a technical foul in the third quarter after showing emotion while making a bucket and drawing a foul. The WNBA may issue a postgame fine as part of its strict discipline policy.

Damiris Dantas did not play for the Fever due to a coaching decision.

-Field Level Media/Reuters