The Indiana Fever secured a significant victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday night during the Commissioner’s Cup Championship, showcasing resilience despite missing their star guard. Earlier that week, Caitlin Clark had been named one of the captains for the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA All-Star Game by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, a moment that energized the team heading into the decisive match.
Caitlin Clark’s All-Star Captaincy Announcement Boosts Team Spirit
On Sunday, Caitlin Clark received a phone call from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in the locker room, where her teammates and coaches surrounded her. Engelbert informed Clark of her selection as one of the two captains for the upcoming 2025 WNBA All-Star Game and extended well wishes for the team’s championship contest. Clark responded with confidence and humor, saying on speaker phone,
“Yeah, we about to get that dub Cathy.”
—Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever Guard
Fever Overcome Adversity Without Clark in Championship Victory
Clark was sidelined with a groin injury for the third straight game, but Indiana’s resolve remained unshaken. Despite falling behind by 13 points early on against a Lynx team that held the league’s best record at 14-2, the Fever mounted a strong comeback. Natasha Howard emerged as the leader on the court, contributing 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists to help Indiana triumph 74-59 on the road.
Four of the five starters scored in double digits, and Sophie Cunningham provided a key offensive spark off the bench with 13 points. Entering the game as 10.5-point underdogs according to ESPN Bet, the Fever exceeded expectations by rallying together and demonstrating deep belief in their collective strength.
Financial Rewards and Individual Honors Follow Fever’s Win
The victory not only elevated the Fever’s status but also brought financial incentives, as the players shared a prize pool of $500,000 along with $120,000 in cryptocurrency awarded by Coinbase. Natasha Howard earned an additional $5,000 for her performance as the game’s Most Valuable Player. This win highlights how the team can succeed even with the absence of their star captain, reflecting both their talent and determination.