Indiana Fever 74 – 59 Minnesota Lynx
What looked like a clear-cut game turned out to be a surprise as the Indiana Fever played their hearts out at the home of the Lynx to claim victory. Caitlin Clark didn’t suit up for the game as she had been ruled out for a groin injury. This seemed like a booster for the squad to step up, as they didn’t have their All-Star guard and were led by Natasha Howard and Aliyah Boston, who both finished the game with double-doubles: 16 points and 12 rebounds and 12 points and 11 rebounds, respectively.
The second quarter was a game changer for the Indiana Fever, who scored 20 points while the Minnesota Lynx managed only seven. The Fever tightened their defense to allow only two layups, free throws, and one midrange shot. They held the Lynx scoreless for seven minutes.
The second-quarter performance was a major blow to the Lynx, who had led Indiana by eight points (20-12) at the end of the first quarter. From the second to the fourth quarter, Fever scored over 20 points each quarter, but the Lynx couldn’t recover from their second quarter deficit as the Fever continued to build their lead.
It was a tough night for Napheesa Collier, who has registered ten 20+ point games this season and this marked her lowest scoring game so far with 12 points. Howard played a clean and solid defense in the paint, where Napheesa usually builds on her scores, limiting her scoring capabilities in the game.
Statistics
Despite Minnesota having fewer turnovers by two (16-18 turnovers), the Lynx lacked the momentum they had in their previous games, especially in terms of rebounds, which gave them a winning advantage over the Fever. They were outrebounded defensively and offensively. Napheesa finished the game with nine rebounds. Alanna Smith also contributed significantly to the Lynx scoreboard with 15 points. Both teams received significant contributions from their bench players, with the Lynx recording 14 points and the Fever 16 points.
Howard was named the Commissioner’s Cup Most Valuable Player.
This was the Lynx’s first home loss of the 2025 WNBA season; however, it does not count as an official regular-season game record.
