Natasha Howard leads Indiana Fever to first Commissioner’s Cup title with win over Lynx
TOI World Desk | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jul 02, 2025, 19:59 IST
( Image credit : AP, TOIGLOBAL )
The Indiana Fever secured their first WNBA Commissioner's Cup title, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 74-59. Natasha Howard's dominant performance and contributions from Aliyah Boston and Sophie Cunningham fueled the Fever's victory, even with Caitlin Clark sidelined. A key 18-0 run in the second quarter propelled Indiana to a lead they maintained throughout the game, earning them the $500,000 prize.
The Indiana Fever captured their first-ever WNBA Commissioner’s Cup title on Tuesday night, beating the Minnesota Lynx 74–59. Forward Natasha Howard led the way with a dominant performance, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
Even without star rookie Caitlin Clark—who sat out with a groin injury but cheered from the bench—the Fever pulled together for a statement win. They now take home the majority share of the $500,000 prize pool awarded to the winners of the midseason tournament.
Indiana got big contributions from several players. Aliyah Boston recorded a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Sophie Cunningham added 13 points off the bench, while Kelsey Mitchell chipped in with 12. The Fever took control in the second quarter with a stunning 18–0 run after trailing by 13 points. That burst helped them go into halftime up 32–27.
The Fever stayed in control the rest of the way. Aari McDonald’s three-pointer late in the third quarter pushed their lead to 14, and Indiana entered the fourth with a 52–42 edge. Minnesota made a small push, trimming the lead to 52–45 early in the final frame, but Indiana quickly responded with six straight points and never looked back.
Minnesota’s top scorer was Alanna Smith with 15 points. Napheesa Collier added 12, and Courtney Williams finished with 11. Despite their efforts, the Lynx couldn’t find consistent offense, especially during their second-quarter drought, which lasted over eight minutes.
After the final buzzer, the Fever gathered at center court to lift the Commissioner’s Cup trophy—a moment of redemption and celebration for a franchise still rebuilding and now making its mark in WNBA history.