Caitlin Clark's defense flaw makes Aliyah Boston's leap essential.

Caitlin Clark's defensive deficiencies are no secret.

The Golden State Valkyries have proven that defense wins championships.

The Indiana Fever's superstar struggles to make an impact on that side of the ball.

Clark needs her teammates to step up and build a stable foundation so she can focus on dictating the offense.

In 2027, Aliyah Boston faces immense pressure to make a defensive leap if her team wants to make a run to the WNBA Finals.

Last season was a career year for Boston in several major categories.

The 24-year-old averaged 16.1 points, 8 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.

She shot 52.8% from the field and 40.6% from deep.

Boston's offensive range expanded.

Her physical presence contributed heavily to Kelsey Mitchell's historic scoring campaign.

While Boston's offensive prowess is a big asset to the Fever, it's not where they need her to be brilliant.

Yes, the numbers show she can defend the basket.

But that's still not enough.

With Clark on the floor, Indiana needs Boston to be elite in that area and make a serious push for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

ALIYAH BOSTON MUST EMBRACE HER DEFENSIVE POTENTIAL

This article should not be seen as a criticism of Boston.

She is a fantastic defender who doesn't fear getting physical in the paint.

However, in a world in which Angel Reese and A'ja Wilson live, Boston must make an extraordinary leap if she wants to clinch the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The South Carolina alum is a victim of circumstance.

She will be as long as she features on an Indiana roster that prioritizes offense.

Both Reese and Wilson play on teams with a clear defensive blueprint.

They are surrounded by very talented defenders.

It's easier for a player to show a resilient mentality when her teammates mirror the same attitude.

Nevertheless, styles make fights.

The Fever are unlikely to change their approach any time soon, especially if they retain Mitchell's services.

With this being the case, Boston's main priority must be to serve as the team's defensive anchor.

If Indiana's roster remains largely unchanged in 2027, it will boast an abundance of scoring talent but remain short of reliable defensive options.

Boston will be expected to make a significant impact.

Of course, the Fever will have to recruit other defensive-minded players to complement Clark.

But the main focus will be on Boston.

If the talented center can propel herself into Defensive Player of the Year conversations, then Indiana will be contenders.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE FEVER'S FUTURE

The WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award has been won by some of the league's most dominant interior players.

A'ja Wilson won it in 2022 and 2023.

Angel Reese finished second in voting last season.

Both players anchor defenses that are built around their strengths.

Las Vegas and Chicago have invested in perimeter defenders who funnel drivers into their bigs.

Indiana does not have that same structure.

The Fever's system under head coach Christie Sides has emphasized pace and three-point shooting.

That approach has made Clark and Mitchell one of the most dangerous backcourts in the league.

But it has also left Boston isolated on the defensive end more often than her counterparts.

She is asked to cover for blown assignments on the perimeter.

She is asked to contest shots at the rim without weak-side help.

She is asked to do all of this while also carrying a growing load on offense.

That is a lot to ask of any player, let alone a 24-year-old entering her fourth season.

THE COMPARISON TO REESE AND WILSON

Angel Reese plays for the Chicago Sky.

The Sky have built their entire identity around physical defense.

Reese averaged 13.1 rebounds per game last season, the second-highest mark in the league.

She also averaged 1.9 steals and 1.1 blocks.

Her teammates — Marina Mabrey, Diamond DeShields, and Elizabeth Williams — are all plus defenders.

Chicago's scheme funnels everything into Reese's area.

A'ja Wilson plays for the Las Vegas Aces.

The Aces have won two of the last three championships.

Wilson averaged 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks last season.

She won Defensive Player of the Year twice.

Las Vegas surrounds her with Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray — all of whom are above-average defenders for their positions.

The Aces have a clear defensive system that maximizes Wilson's shot-blocking and mobility.

Boston does not have that same support system.

She is often the only above-average defender on the floor for Indiana.

That makes her job harder than it would be on almost any other team.

THE OFFENSIVE SIDE IS NOT THE PROBLEM

Boston's offensive game has grown significantly since she entered the league.

She was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft.

She won Rookie of the Year that season.

Her scoring average has increased every year: 14.5 points as a rookie, 16.1 points last season.

Her three-point shooting has been a revelation.

She shot 40.6% from deep last season, up from 32.1% the year before.