Indiana Fever Stun Minnesota Lynx to Claim First-Ever Commissioner’s Cup Title

The Indiana Fever, battling adversity and missing star guard Caitlin Clark, pulled off a stunning upset to win the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, defeating the league-leading Minnesota Lynx 74–59 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Entering the game as 10.5-point underdogs and without several key players, the Fever showcased resilience, teamwork, and elite defense to capture their first in-season championship in franchise history.

Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, was sidelined for the third consecutive game due to a groin injury and watched from the bench as her team delivered one of its most complete performances of the season. Her absence forced the Fever to adapt quickly, shifting offensive responsibilities and relying on their depth — a challenge they met with poise and unity.

Fever head coach Stephanie White praised her players' mental toughness and collective effort. She emphasized that learning to play — and win — without a high-usage star like Clark was a pivotal step forward for the team. This comes during a season already marked by instability, including Clark's earlier quad injury and the recent departure of free-agent acquisition DeWanna Bonner, who left the team just a week prior after citing fit issues.

Despite those challenges, Indiana improved to an even 8-8 record with Tuesday’s victory and delivered a strong message to the rest of the league. Veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, now in her eighth season with the Fever, described the win as “beautiful” and credited the team’s selflessness and determination under pressure.

Leading the charge was forward Natasha Howard, who earned Commissioner’s Cup MVP honors. The three-time WNBA champion contributed 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists while anchoring Indiana's defense. Her presence was especially crucial in limiting Napheesa Collier, the league’s top scorer at 24.4 points per game, to just 12 points on 6-of-18 shooting.

Aliyah Boston, the 2023 Rookie of the Year and former No. 1 overall pick, added a double-double of her own with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Indiana’s guard rotation — made up of Mitchell, Aari McDonald, Lexie Hull, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colson — collectively posted 46 points, compensating effectively for Clark’s absence.

The turning point came in the second quarter when Indiana's defense clamped down, holding the Lynx scoreless for the final 8 minutes and 13 seconds of the half. It was the first time since August 2011 that Minnesota had gone so long without a point — a rare drought for a team that has won four WNBA titles. That defensive dominance created a lead the Fever would not relinquish.

Howard, once named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, again demonstrated her ability to disrupt elite scorers. Her containment of Collier was a key reason the Lynx couldn’t generate momentum in the second half. Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve admitted her team lost its rhythm and lacked the expected response to Indiana’s physical play.

The Commissioner’s Cup, introduced in 2021, has now seen five different winners: Seattle, Las Vegas, New York, Minnesota, and now Indiana. The title comes with a $500,000 prize pool shared among players and a coveted trophy that marks a return to relevance for a Fever franchise that last tasted championship success in 2012.

Clark’s status remains a top concern for the Fever. While she has resumed light, non-contact workouts, Coach White stressed the importance of patience and long-term health. Clark is expected to captain one of the teams in the upcoming WNBA All-Star Game on July 19 in Indianapolis, alongside Collier. With seven games remaining before the All-Star break — including five straight at home starting Thursday — Indiana hopes to continue building momentum while ensuring Clark returns at full strength.

“She’s making progress,” White said. “But there’s a difference between progress and being fully ready. We want her confident, strong, and without setbacks. That’s what matters most.”

For a franchise seeking to redefine itself with a young core and a growing identity, this victory was more than a midseason trophy — it was a turning point. The Fever are no longer just a rebuilding team. They're contenders.