Fever Stun Lynx to Win Commissioner’s Cup Without Caitlin Clark
What a night in the WNBA — and what a statement win for the Indiana Fever. On a stage set for dominance by the Minnesota Lynx, it was Indiana who walked away with the Commissioner’s Cup title, a $500,000 prize, and a whole lot of respect, even without superstar Caitlin Clark on the court.
Clark, who’s been the face of the Fever and one of the biggest names in the league, was ruled out due to a groin injury. Sitting on the bench in sweats, her absence was expected to be a major blow to Indiana’s chances. After all, Minnesota was not just the reigning Commissioner’s Cup champion, but also undefeated at home this season. Add in the firepower of Napheesa Collier and a roaring Target Center crowd, and it looked like a tough ask for the Fever.
But that’s what makes this win so remarkable.
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From the jump, Minnesota took control, finishing the first quarter up 20-12. But then the Fever flipped the script. In the second quarter, they went on an incredible 18-0 run while holding the Lynx to just 18% shooting. By halftime, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a routine home win for Minnesota.
Veteran forward Natasha Howard led the way with 16 points and 12 rebounds, showing exactly why experience still matters in big moments. But it wasn’t just about one star — five Fever players scored in double figures, and they collectively played their best defensive game of the season. They held the league’s top 3-point shooting team to just 25% from beyond the arc and forced 16 turnovers.
Minnesota’s own All-Star, Napheesa Collier, struggled to find her rhythm, and the rest of the Lynx’s core couldn’t pick up the slack. Courtney Williams went 4-of-14, Kayla McBride shot just 1-of-7, and the team managed only 27 points in the first half — a season low.
This wasn’t just a loss; it was a wake-up call. Minnesota had been aiming to become the first repeat champion in the five-year history of the Commissioner’s Cup. Instead, Indiana becomes the fifth different team to lift the trophy.
What’s most impressive about this win is how it reflects the Fever’s growth. Head coach Stephanie White, who coached the team to a WNBA Finals appearance back in 2015, has been preaching defensive discipline all season. And on Tuesday night, it all clicked. Even bench players like Sydney Colson stepped up in big ways, with Colson frustrating the Lynx’s backcourt while playing her most impactful minutes of the season.
Sure, this game doesn’t count in the regular season standings. But for Indiana — especially doing this without their biggest star — it’s a defining moment. A statement that says: this team is deeper than just Caitlin Clark. This is a team ready to contend, ready to defend, and ready to surprise.
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