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Sans Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever dethrone Minnesota Lynx to rule WNBA Commissioner’s Cup

Published July 2, 2025, 11:46 AMPao Ambat
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The Indiana Fever traveled to Minnesota and spoiled the party, denying the Lynx a repeat WNBA Commissioner’s Cup title while clinching their first crown in the mid-season tournament.

Indiana kept the trend alive, becoming the latest team to capture the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup title on the road. | Photo: X, @IndianaFever

No Caitlin Clark, no problem for the Indiana Fever.

Natasha Howard delivered a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double as the Fever stormed back from an early 13-point deficit to dethrone the defending champion Minnesota Lynx, 74-59, and capture the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup title on Tuesday (PH time), July 2.

Clark missed her third straight game with a groin injury, but Indiana took care of business, winning its first Commissioner’s Cup crown and first piece of hardware since the franchise’s 2012 WNBA championship — and doing so on the road.

Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aari McDonald combined for 36 points, fueling a game-turning 18-0 run to close the second quarter that erased a 14-27 deficit and gave the Fever a 32-27 halftime edge. 

Sophie Cunningham chipped in 13 markers and seven rebounds off the bench.

Indiana outscored Minnesota 40-32 in the second and third periods and became the first team this season to beat the Lynx at home — though the midseason Commissioner’s Cup Final does not count toward the regular-season standings.

Meanwhile, Alanna Smith led Minnesota with 15 points, while reigning Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier added 12 points, nine rebounds and three steals. 

But Collier struggled from the field, shooting just 6-of-18 while committing five of the Lynx’s 16 turnovers. Indiana converted those miscues into 17 points.

(With reports from Pao Ambat)

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]