On May 25, 2025, the New York Liberty narrowly defeated the Indiana Fever in a tense WNBA matchup that highlighted Caitlin Clark’s impact in Liberty vs Fever game, even though she was kept relatively quiet. The contest, played on the Fever’s home floor, showcased the Liberty’s powerful trio—Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones—who played a pivotal role in securing a tight victory. Clark’s subdued output was a key element in the final outcome, thanks to a strategic defensive plan orchestrated by Fever head coach Sandy Brondello.
Brondello’s Defensive Plan Focused on Containing Clark
Sandy Brondello entered the game with a clear strategy aimed at limiting Caitlin Clark’s influence. She acknowledged Clark as the Fever’s primary offensive threat, stating plainly,
“Caitlin’s the head of the snake, so we have to do a great job against her,”
just before tip-off. The Fever executed this approach effectively, forcing Clark into ten turnovers and causing her to miss seven early three-point shots. This containment disrupted Clark’s usual rhythm and put pressure on the Fever to respond.
Despite Indiana’s determined push back, including a late-game rally spurred by Clark’s long-range shooting, the Liberty’s resilient offense led by their trio ultimately prevailed. Sabrina Ionescu scored 23 points, Breanna Stewart contributed 16, and Jonquel Jones dominated with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Jones’ impressive performance in the final quarter, where she scored 14 points alone—more than the entire Fever team—underscored the Liberty’s inside dominance.
Clark’s Suppressed Night Highlighted by Loss of Key Defender
In previous seasons, Betnijah Laney played a critical role for the Fever in limiting Clark’s scoring chances. This game, however, Laney was absent, challenging Indiana’s defense to find new solutions. Natasha Cloud stepped into that role but struggled offensively, shooting 6-for-18 overall and 2-for-11 beyond the arc—a night she would likely want to put behind her. Cloud’s defensive efforts, though, remained vital in frustrating Clark’s attempts throughout the game.
Questions lingered about whether Clark’s subdued stats were due to the Fever’s defensive brilliance or simply an off night for the second-year star. While no player is expected to perform perfectly every game, Brondello gave Clark credit, recognizing the challenge she presented even while minimized. The Fever’s strategy clearly tested Clark’s adaptability and poise under pressure.
Coach Brondello Reflects on Team’s Physical Play and Adjustments
After the game, Brondello assessed her team’s performance and the impact of their physical style. She reflected,
“We knew it was going to go to another level, and their level went a little bit harder than us. They were playing more physical. We were taking too many quick shots, not the best shots always. I think we played into their hands.”
She admitted that after calling a timeout early in the fourth quarter, the Fever improved their execution and calm on the floor but were unable to fully shift momentum.
Indiana’s physical presence was evident in their dominance inside the paint, outscoring New York 52-42 in that area. This was largely thanks to standout performances such as Aliyah Boston’s. Boston was particularly effective in pick-and-roll situations alongside Clark and finished with 23 points and several key rebounds, marking her third double-double of the season. Her inside scoring displays put her second in Fever history for the most games with 25 or more points and 10 plus rebounds, trailing only Tamika Catchings’ legendary achievements.
Fever’s Resilience and Team Focus Amid Pressure
As Indiana built an 8-point lead entering the fourth quarter, sparked by Clark’s buzzer-beating three-pointer, they seemed poised to force an upset. Brondello called a timeout at a crucial moment to recalibrate her team’s focus. She urged players to regain composure, saying,
“Get out of your heads. We’ve got to stay together. Everyone’s worried about s— out there … worry about playing team basketball.”
She emphasized,
“Whatever happened before, let’s get it out of our brains. The only way we do it is if we execute at a high level, the way that we’re capable of.”
Despite the Fever’s spirited effort, their lapses in rebounding and defense allowed the Liberty’s trio to regain control. The game’s intensity highlighted the importance of mental toughness and disciplined execution, areas that Brondello continues to stress as the team develops under her leadership.
Controversy Surrounds Final Game-Ending Play Involving Clark and Cloud
The match ultimately culminated in a controversial final possession. With just 2.9 seconds remaining, Caitlin Clark received an inbound pass and attempted to make a decisive play to tie or win the game. Natasha Cloud stepped up defensively and stripped Clark of the ball, preventing a clean shot. Although contact was evident, officials did not call a foul. This decisive stop sealed the Liberty’s 2-point victory and sparked debate among fans and analysts, with Fever coach Stephanie White visibly displeased with the outcome.
When asked about the play during the post-game conference, Cloud detailed her defensive approach, stating,
“I knew they–obviously, they’re gonna go to Caitlin,”
and described her tactic:
“I knew that it was gonna be, ‘You gotta get your big dog pants on right now. The way they set up I knew she was gonna set a cross screen. I knew that Coach [Stephanie] White was hoping that. I bumped on that cross screen to allow her to get open on the down screen. I knew my help was on the backside, so I didn’t bump. I top-locked her, so she couldn’t come off so easily. I knew she was gonna go left as soon as she brought that ball up. I just poked it out.”
Fever’s Progress and Season Outlook Despite Close Loss
The Fever currently hold a 2-2 record, a respectable start for a team still adjusting to a new roster and coaching staff. While some games have slipped away narrowly, the team’s competitive spirit against elite opponents is evident. The season ahead promises further evolution as players gain synergy and refine their execution.
Although the Liberty’s win highlights their trio’s championship-caliber talent, the Fever’s ability to challenge them so fiercely signals potential growth and exciting matchups in the future. The interaction of Clark, Ionescu, Stewart, and Jones continues to captivate fans and shape the competitive landscape of the league.