Natasha Howard shines as Fever beat Lynx to win WNBA Commissioner’s Cup

Natasha Howard delivered a stellar performance with 16 points and 12 rebounds, leading the Indiana Fever to a 74-59 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final on Tuesday night.

The Fever secured this win despite the absence of Caitlin Clark, who was sidelined with a groin injury but supported her team from the bench, celebrating their triumph at the final buzzer.



Indiana's success was bolstered by Aliyah Boston's contribution of 12 points and 11 rebounds, whilst Sophie Cunningham added 13 points as a substitute. Kelsey Mitchell also scored 12 points in this historic win, marking the Fever's first in-season tournament championship.

The victory earned the Fever the majority share of a $500,000 prize pool, with the team gathering at centre court to receive the Commissioner's Cup trophy.


Minnesota's effort was led by Alanna Smith with 15 points, followed by Napheesa Collier with 12 points and Courtney Williams with 11. Despite Minnesota's attempts to reduce a substantial deficit in the fourth quarter, their offensive struggles persisted.

After Jessica Shepard's basket brought the score to 52-45 with 8:45 remaining, Indiana responded with six consecutive points to maintain their commanding lead.

The Fever held a 52-42 advantage entering the final quarter, having extended their lead to 14 points in the third when Aari McDonald scored a three-pointer for a 48-34 margin with 3:01 left.


Indiana's first-half performance was particularly notable, as they overcame a 13-point deficit with an impressive 18-0 run to close the second quarter. The Lynx experienced a scoring drought lasting 8:13 to end the half, with the Fever leading 32-27.

McDonald initiated the scoring run with a layup as Indiana rallied from 27-14 down. Cunningham's three-pointer from the left corner gave the Fever a 28-27 lead with 2:13 remaining in the half, followed by Howard's four successful free throws.

The Lynx's scoring drought finally ended when Collier scored a layup 54 seconds into the third quarter.