Indiana defeated the defending champion Lynx on thr road in Minnesota on Tuesday night, 74-59, to win the Commissioner’s Cup trophy for the first time in franchise history, led by MVP Natasha Howard. Read about the viral upset and key moments.
Fever’s Historic Triumph Goes Viral
On July 1, 2025, the Indiana Fever shocked the WNBA world by defeating the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 in the Commissioner’s Cup final, securing their first-ever title. Despite missing star Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s gritty performance in Minneapolis sparked a social media frenzy. This upset against the league-leading Lynx highlights Indiana’s rising prowess.
Dominant Second Quarter Seals Victory
Trailing 20-12 after the first quarter, the Fever unleashed an 18-0 run in the second, outscoring the Lynx 20-7. They held Minnesota scoreless for the final 8:13 of the half, taking a 32-27 lead at halftime. Natasha Howard, named unanimous Cup MVP, led with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Aliyah Boston added a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Defensive Masterclass Without Clark
Playing without All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, sidelined by a groin injury, the Fever showcased their best defensive effort of 2025. They limited the Lynx to a season-low 35.7% field goal percentage and 55 points. Howard’s defense on Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier, who scored just 12 points on 6-of-18 shooting, was pivotal. “We made it uncomfortable for her,” Howard said.
Lynx’s Struggles Surprise Fans
The Lynx, boasting a 14-2 record and led by MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, were favored to defend their 2024 Cup title. However, their nine-game winning streak ended abruptly. Alanna Smith scored a team-high seven points, but Minnesota’s 16 turnovers led to 11 Fever points. Social media posts reflected disappointment, with fans noting, “Lynx’s offense vanished in Q2.”
Social Media Buzz and Prize Money
The Fever’s victory, splitting a $500,000 prize pool, fueled online excitement. Clark, cheering from the sidelines, tweeted, “My girls did their thing! with one user saying, The win continues the trend of road teams dominating the Cup, with the past four titles won by visitors.
Key Players Step Up
Kelsey Mitchell contributed eight points, including a crucial midrange jumper, while Sophie Cunningham’s three 3-pointers, one in the fourth quarter, silenced a late Lynx rally. Coach Stephanie White praised the team’s growth, saying, “Learning to make big plays without Caitlin will pay dividends.” The Fever’s depth proved critical against Minnesota’s vaunted roster.
What’s Next for Fever and Lynx?
The Fever’s upset signals their potential as playoff contenders, with momentum building for a possible WNBA Finals run. Historically, recent Cup finalists have met in the Finals, hinting at a November rematch. For the Lynx, this loss is a chance to regroup and address offensive lapses. As the 2025 season progresses, both teams are poised to shape the WNBA’s narrative.