The Indiana Fever just made WNBA history, and they did it without their biggest star.
On Tuesday, the Fever stunned the Minnesota Lynx with a dominant 74-59 victory to win the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup, marking their first title in the in-season competition’s short but growing history.
What makes this win even more impressive? Indiana pulled it off without Caitlin Clark, who missed her third straight game due to a groin injury.
Fever Rise to the Occasion
With Clark on the sideline, Natasha Howard stepped up in a big way. She posted 16 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals to lead the team. Veteran Sophie Cunningham added 13 off the bench, while Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aari McDonald each scored 12. Boston also secured a double-double with 11 rebounds.
The win was surprising given the Fever’s 8-8 record heading into the game, compared to the 14-2 New York Liberty and the surging Lynx. But the Fever didn’t just win—they dominated on both ends of the court.
A First for the Franchise
The league itself acknowledged the moment on social media:
“For the FIRST TIME in franchise history, the @indianafever are your 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Champions!”
The Commissioner’s Cup began in 2021 and features regular-season games that count toward separate Cup standings. Each year, the top team from each conference faces off in a championship showdown.
With this victory, the Fever join an exclusive list of past Cup champions, including the Seattle Storm, Las Vegas Aces, New York Liberty, and Minnesota Lynx.
What’s Next for the Fever?
While Caitlin Clark remains day-to-day with her injury, Indiana’s depth and grit proved they can still compete at the highest level. This win not only boosts their confidence but also solidifies them as serious playoff contenders in 2025.
With a historic win under their belt, the Fever just turned the page from underdogs to undeniable title threats. And the rest of the WNBA is officially on notice.
Read More: Caitlin Clark, Fever Labeled ‘Championship Contender’ by WNBA Legend
