A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces faced serious adversity midseason, but the former South Carolina star refused to back down — and she delivered on her promise.
After a rocky stretch in June and July that had fans questioning the Aces’ playoff hopes, Wilson vowed that her team would give everything to make the postseason. True to her word, the Aces turned their season around with a remarkable 16-game winning streak, punching their ticket to the WNBA playoffs and ultimately the Finals.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever pulled off their own Cinderella story. Despite losing key players like Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colson to injury, the young squad battled through adversity to reach the semifinals — a run that many considered miraculous. At the heart of it all was another former Gamecock: Aliyah Boston.
The semifinal series between the Aces and Fever turned into an instant classic, going all the way to Game 5. Both teams left everything on the floor, forcing overtime in a thrilling showdown that ended with the Aces on top, 107–98.
Wilson led the charge with a dominant 35-point, 41-minute performance, while Jackie Young added 32 points and 10 assists. The Fever had six players score in double figures — including Boston, Natasha Howard, Lexie Hull, Kelsey Mitchell, and Shey Peddy — but despite Odyssey Sims’ 27 points, it wasn’t enough to take down the defending champs.
After the game, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley couldn’t hide her pride watching two of her former stars battle at the highest level. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she praised Boston’s growth and consistency:
“Let me say this — Aliyah Boston is the real deal! She led. She produced. Her consistency throughout the season has been remarkable to witness. Her passing… It is just her third season in the WNBA. Each year she’s gotten better — a testament to her work and will! MVP loading! Love AB!”
Fans quickly flooded Staley’s post with love and appreciation.
One wrote, “You did good raising her, Coach.”
Another added, “A’ja got her in foul trouble during the press conference. Awesome game, awesome series. AB didn’t get the result she deserved, but she was spectacular on both ends.”
Others echoed Staley’s sentiment, with one fan saying, “She’s the real deal. You did great, Coach — but she did even better. Fever won that game in our hearts.”
Another added, “She’s tough — super sweet off the court but a killer on it. Love her game and demeanor.”
Between Wilson’s relentless leadership and Boston’s emerging dominance, South Carolina’s legacy in the WNBA continues to shine brighter than ever — a testament to the culture Dawn Staley built and the stars it keeps producing.
