The Indiana Fever started the WNBA playoffs strong. But in Game 2 on Tuesday, the Las Vegas Aces defeated them 90-68. After the game, Aliyah Boston shared her thoughts on her former Fever teammate NaLyssa Smith, who faced her as an opponent that night.
The series is now tied at one game apiece. Games 3 and 4 will take place in Indianapolis. But Tuesday’s matchup held something special for WNBA fans: Boston and Smith faced each other after once playing side by side in Indiana.
Friends and rivals on the court
According to Athlonsports, Boston recorded 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting, 13 rebounds, and three assists, standing out as one of Fever’s top performers. On the other hand, Smith played a decisive role in the Aces’ victory, scoring 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, with seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
NaLyssa Smith tonight 🔥
• 18 points
• 7 rebounds
• 7/9 FGpic.twitter.com/Ow3WIWshDL— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) September 24, 2025
Smith began the 2025 season with the Dallas Wings but was traded to the Aces in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick. She had spent her first three seasons with the Fever, where she shared the court with Boston.
After Tuesday’s loss, Boston joined coach Stephanie White and Lexie Hull in the press conference. There, she praised Smith, saying she did an excellent job and highlighting what impressed her most: “I’d definitely say her offensive rebounding… She grabbed a few, gave them second-chance points. And she got to the free throw line, so for us, we just have to tighten that up and box out because obviously she’s super athletic. She does a great job getting to the glass,” Boston stated.
Smith appeared in 103 games during her three seasons with Indiana. There she averaged 13.0 points on 45.8% shooting, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. With the Aces this season, she has averaged 8.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.7 assists.
