Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

Indiana Fever Edge Over Minnesota Lynx 74-59 to Win Their First WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Title

Natasha Howard was named the MVP for the game.

Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The Indiana Fever took down the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 on Tuesday, July 1 to win the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. This is the first ever Commissioner’s Cup title for the Fever. Natasha Howard led the Fever with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four points. She was shooting 4-of-10 from the field and 8-of-8 from the free throw line. Sophie Cunningham dropped 13 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.

🏆 For the FIRST TIME in franchise history, the @indianafever are your 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup Champions!

Commissioner’s Cup presented by @coinbase 🏆#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/B5XahgztU5
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 2, 2025

In addition to them, a total of three players including Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aari McDonald dropped 12 points apiece to guide the side to a historical victory. Notably, this was the first home loss for the Lynx, even though the game doesn’t tally to the regular season games for either team.

The Fever, who were without their superstar Caitlin Clark, won the $500K prize pool. In addition to it, they will also get an extra $120K in cryptocurrency courtesy of Coinbase. The MVP of the game, Natasha Howard, will get another $5000. It is to be noted that the Fever are out without the reigning Rookie of the Year due to a left groin injury. While she was listed a game-time decision in the injury report, Clark was ultimately kept out of the lineup.

Natasha Howard is officially your unanimous Commissioner's Cup Presented by @coinbase MVP. Howard recorded 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists in an Indiana Fever win vs. the Minnesota Lynx. pic.twitter.com/mD7KePU36D
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) July 2, 2025

Minnesota Lynx Slump to Fever Despite Early Dominance

The former Commissioner’s Cup champions Minnesota Lynx kicked off the game with a dominance over the Fever. More than halfway through to the first quarter, the Lynx were leading the Fever 13-9 with Courtney Williams’s five points. They further extended the dominance to 18-9, and ended the quarter with a 20-12 lead over the counterparts. The Lynx had Alanna Smith at seven points and Napheesa Collier at six points.

Minnesota maintained the lead over the Fever with over five minutes remaining in the second quarter. However, Indiana’s 11 straight points cut their deficit to two as they trailed their rivals 27-25 in over three minutes remaining before halftime. The Fever didn’t let Minnesota score in the final 8:13 of the second quarter and scored the final 18 points of the period to gain a 32-27 lead.

THE FEVER FINISH Q2 WITH AN 18-0 SURGE 🔥

Don't miss the final half coming up on Prime! https://t.co/RPi3d1gJQH pic.twitter.com/j4qw95QL7j
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 2, 2025

After halftime, Stephanie White’s team maintained the lead over the Lynx, owing to Howard and Mitchell’s ten points each for the side. Once trailing the game, the Fever were now leading their rivals 45-34 as the clock had over three minutes and 27 seconds left in the third quarter. They ended the third quarter with 52-42 dominance. Fever kept their lead in the final period, and ultimately went on to win the game 74-59.

The Lynx were led by Alanna Smith’s 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists while Napheesa Collier tallied 12 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.

Indiana Fever

Minnesota Lynx

WNBA Commissioner’s Cup

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.