Natasha Howard Leads Indiana Fever to Historic Commissioner's Cup Victory

MINNEAPOLIS — In an exhilarating conclusion to the WNBA Commissioner's Cup, the Indiana Fever triumphed over the Minnesota Lynx with a decisive score of 74-59. The game, held on June 30, 2025, marked a significant milestone for the Fever, who claimed their first Commissioner's Cup title, overcoming a challenging 13-point deficit early in the match. Natasha Howard, who showcased an impressive performance with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, was named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in a unanimous decision.

The Fever's victory is noteworthy, especially considering they were without All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined since June 24 due to a strained groin. Despite this setback, the Fever demonstrated remarkable resilience, relying on a balanced scoring effort and staunch defensive tactics to stifle the Lynx, who had the league's best record prior to the game. According to head coach Christie Sides, "We knew we had to step up as a team. Everyone contributed, and that was key to our success."

The Lynx, who had previously enjoyed a dominant winning streak, faced their worst offensive performance of the season, shooting only 34.9% from the field and making just 4-of-16 attempts from three-point range, a significant drop from their average of 9.4 three-pointers per game. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve expressed disappointment, stating, "We didn't execute as we needed to, especially in the second half. The Fever capitalized on our mistakes, and we couldn't find our rhythm."

Despite an early lead, the Lynx struggled to maintain their offensive momentum, going scoreless for the last 8:17 of the first half. This allowed the Fever to mount a comeback, culminating in an 18-0 run that shifted the game's momentum. Sophie Cunningham, who contributed 13 points, was pivotal during this stretch, sinking crucial three-pointers that energized her team and the crowd alike.

Howard's performance, characterized by her versatility and leadership, has drawn praise from numerous analysts. Dr. Emily Thompson, a sports analyst at the University of Southern California, noted, "Howard's ability to lead under pressure was evident. She not only scored but also facilitated plays that opened opportunities for her teammates."

The Fever's victory marks a historic moment as they become the fifth team to win the Commissioner's Cup since its inception in 2021. The triumph also yields a $500,000 prize pool for the team, a significant financial boost that highlights the growing competitiveness of the WNBA. This victory is particularly poignant for the Fever, who have been striving to establish themselves in the league following several challenging seasons.

Looking ahead, the Fever will aim to build on this momentum as they approach the regular season's final stretch. With key players stepping up in high-pressure situations, the Fever's prospects for the remainder of the season appear promising. As Natasha Howard stated in the post-game interview, "This is just the beginning for us. We are hungry for more wins and ready to compete at the highest level."

The Commissioner's Cup final not only showcased individual talents but also emphasized the increasing competition within the WNBA, as teams constantly adapt to overcome their rivals. As the Fever celebrate their victory, the Lynx will be looking to regroup and regain their dominance in the upcoming games. With the WNBA's popularity on the rise and more eyes on women's basketball than ever before, the league's future looks bright.

ESPN Research and The Associated Press contributed to this report.