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.
🏆 For the FIRST TIME in franchise history, the @indianafever are your 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup Champions!
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 2, 2025
Commissioner’s Cup presented by @coinbase 🏆#WelcometotheW
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.
NATASHA HOWARD IS LOCKED IN ?
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 2, 2025
16 PTS, 11 REB double-double through 3 quarters!
Prime | WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by @coinbase
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.
Aliyah Boston scoops up the loose ball and kicks it out to Sophie Cunningham for the three and the lead??
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 2, 2025
We ended the first half on an 18-0 run 🔥
Sophie Cunningham chipped in 13 markers and seven rebounds off the bench.
SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM DRAINS IT 🔥🔥🔥
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 2, 2025
Lead is back to double figures late in the 4Q. Big triple forces the MIN timeout and the Fever bench is HYPED!
Prime | WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by @coinbase
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.
BIG BUCKET FOR ALANNA SMITH 💫
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 2, 2025
8 PTS in the 3Q, 15 total, cutting the deficit for the Lynx!
Prime | WNBA Commissioner's Cup presented by @coinbase
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)
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[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.]
