The Indiana Fever achieved a remarkable upset on Tuesday by defeating the Minnesota Lynx in the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup championship, with a score of 74-59. Despite the absence of star guard Caitlin Clark (due to a groin injury), the Fever secured their first franchise title in this in-season competition through an excellent defensive display.

Natasha Howard earned the MVP title, scoring 16 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and contributing four assists and two steals. The Fever executed a true team effort with five players reaching double digits in scoring, including Aliyah Boston, who posted 12 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.

Currently holding the top spot in the league with a 14-2 record, the Lynx were favored to win this matchup, especially after Clark was ruled out prior to the game.

Initially, the Lynx sped ahead, achieving a 13-point lead early in the second quarter, but that marked the peak of their evening’s performance. The Fever locked down defensively, maintaining a strong lead through the end of the game.

The Lynx scored their lowest points of the season (59) and shot just 34.9% from the field. They committed 16 turnovers, with frontrunner MVP candidate Napheesa Collier contributing to five of those mistakes.

Indiana’s victory marks a historical moment, revealing no team has ever won back-to-back titles in the Commissioner’s Cup. Here’s a quick recap of past winners:

• 2024: Minnesota Lynx
• 2023: New York Liberty
• 2022: Las Vegas Aces
• 2021: Seattle Storm

As for the Fever’s winnings from the $500,000 prize pool ($30,000 each player, plus an extra $5,000 to Howard for being MVP), they now evaluate how to manage their earnings.

How the Fever achieved this upset

One major goal for the Fever this offseason was to tighten their defense. Despite a strong start, they recently slid in their performance partially due to DeWanna Bonner’s departure, currently ranking eighth in defensive rating at 100.2. However, with the return of defensive assets like Aari McDonald, they were capable of stepping up when it mattered most.

This balance allowed them to disrupt the Lynx’s rhythm and secure a crucial win on Tuesday, making headlines in the league.

Defensive Strategy Against Collier

Napheesa Collier, a leading player this season averaging 24.4 points, faced significant challenges against Howard’s defense, scoring only 12 points in this match. Howard effectively shut down Collier’s attempts and applied pressure throughout.

Containing Lynx’s 3-Point Game

The Fever also excelled at limiting the Lynx’s 3-point shooting, allowing just 25% from beyond the arc, a rare off-night for the typically sharp shooting Lynx.

Forcing Turnovers

The Lynx typically excel at ball distribution and assist rates, but against the Fever, they faltered, registering only 13 assists, indicative of Indiana’s tight defense throughout the game.

Coach Stephanie White emphasized the Fever’s increased intensity and attention to detail, which proved pivotal in clinching this valuable win.