The Women’s National Basketball Association continues to spotlight top-tier talent as the 2025 season intensifies, and on August 5, two standout athletes were recognized for their exceptional play during Week 9 of competition. Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever and Kayla McBride of the Minnesota Lynx were named Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively. These awards not only honor their on-court excellence but also underscore their leadership roles as their teams pursue postseason ambitions in a fiercely competitive season.
Aliyah Boston, in her second season with the Indiana Fever, has continued to evolve as a force in the paint. Her recognition this week is a testament to her consistency and poise under pressure. With teammate Caitlin Clark temporarily sidelined due to injury, Boston has stepped into an expanded role, serving as the focal point of Indiana’s offense and a defensive anchor. Throughout Week 9, she delivered dominant performances, routinely posting double-doubles and outmuscling opposing bigs for rebounds and inside scoring opportunities. Her ability to read the game, alter shots at the rim, and control the glass has made her a cornerstone of the Fever’s strategy. For a team seeking to climb the Eastern Conference standings and stay in playoff contention, Boston’s presence has been both reassuring and transformative.
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Boston’s teammates shared in her moment of recognition, surprising her with the announcement at a team dinner—a gesture that reflected the unity and admiration within the Fever roster. The moment was captured on video and quickly circulated across social media, with players and fans alike celebrating her achievement. Despite her youth, Boston is establishing herself as one of the league’s most dependable interior players. Her work ethic and humility have made her a leader on and off the court, reinforcing her status as a player who is already shaping the future of the WNBA.
Across the conference divide, Kayla McBride of the Minnesota Lynx continued to demonstrate why she is one of the league’s most clutch and consistent veterans. Now in her 11th season, McBride has become a stabilizing force for the Lynx, who are enjoying one of their strongest starts in recent memory. Her Week 9 performance featured several high-scoring outings, marked by her deadly accuracy from the perimeter and calm execution in close contests. McBride’s shooting stroke remains among the most reliable in the WNBA, especially at the free-throw line where she is connecting on over 93 percent of her attempts this season.
In addition to her shooting, McBride’s leadership and ability to adapt to game situations have made her indispensable to Minnesota’s playoff push. During the week in question, she delivered in clutch moments, draining key three-pointers and making timely defensive stops. Her veteran savvy has helped guide a balanced Lynx roster that includes stars like Napheesa Collier and emerging contributors from the bench. McBride’s efforts not only helped Minnesota extend its winning streak but also maintain momentum as the league approaches the final stretch of the regular season.
Her recent selection as an injury replacement in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game further highlights her value. Called in to replace Rhyne Howard, McBride made her fifth All-Star appearance and joined Team Collier for the midseason showcase in Indianapolis. The selection was both a reflection of her individual performance and an affirmation of her importance to the Lynx’s success this year.
The dual Player of the Week honors for Boston and McBride come at a pivotal point in the WNBA season. With playoff races tightening, individual performances are under increasing scrutiny, and standout weeks like these can shift the trajectory of an entire campaign. Boston’s recognition adds to a growing résumé that includes Rookie of the Year honors and multiple Player of the Week awards, while McBride’s accolade cements her as a veteran still capable of elite-level output.
These honors also speak to the depth of talent across the league. The 2025 season has featured a mix of breakout performances from rising stars and consistent excellence from established names. As more fans tune in and coverage expands, awards like these help spotlight the players driving the sport forward. For Boston and McBride, the recognition is well-deserved validation of their hard work and impact, and it positions them as central figures in their teams’ quests for playoff success.
Looking ahead, both Indiana and Minnesota face critical stretches in their respective schedules. The Fever will look to Boston to continue anchoring the interior while awaiting Clark’s return. The Lynx, meanwhile, aim to preserve their position at the top of the Western Conference, leaning on McBride’s veteran leadership and scoring acumen. As the postseason nears, players like Boston and McBride will play crucial roles in shaping the final standings and defining the narrative of a season filled with parity, intensity, and exceptional basketball.
Their recognition as Players of the Week underscores the growing parity and excitement of the WNBA as the league continues to grow in prominence and influence, both in the sports world and beyond.
