The Indiana Fever, led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, snapped the New York Liberty's undefeated streak on Saturday, June 14, 2025, with a resounding 102-88 victory. This marked the Liberty's first loss of the season, previously holding a dominant 9-0 record. The Fever's win was fueled by Clark's spectacular return from a quad injury, as well as a significant halftime adjustment and motivational message from Head Coach Stephanie White.
Clark, who had missed nearly three weeks due to injury, showcased her exceptional talent by scoring a season-high 32 points, including tying her career-high of seven three-pointers. She also contributed nine assists and eight rebounds, nearly achieving a triple-double. Her performance not only propelled the Fever to victory but also energized the team and the sold-out crowd at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
According to Clark, the halftime locker room message from Coach White was instrumental in the team's second-half surge. While the specifics of the message remain private, it evidently ignited a spark within the Fever players. The team came out with renewed determination, executing a 19-0 run in the third quarter that shifted the game's momentum firmly in their favor. This scoring burst proved to be the turning point, creating a lead that the Liberty could not overcome.
Coach White acknowledged the team's resilience and ability to problem-solve on the court, particularly during the Liberty's runs. She highlighted the importance of trust and mutual support within the team, emphasizing that their collective strength allows them to overcome challenges and consistently compete at a high level.
The Fever's offensive explosion was a team effort, with Kelsey Mitchell adding 22 points, Lexie Hull contributing 14, and Aliyah Boston recording a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The team collectively set a new franchise record with 17 made three-pointers, demonstrating their improved shooting accuracy and spacing.
Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with a game-high 34 points, but her efforts were not enough to counter the Fever's balanced attack and defensive intensity. Breanna Stewart added 24 points, but the Liberty struggled from beyond the arc, making only 6 of 29 attempts. Ionescu praised Clark after the game, acknowledging her exceptional range and expressing happiness to see her back on the court and feeling good.
This victory holds significant importance for the Indiana Fever. It not only demonstrates their potential to compete with the league's top teams but also improves their chances in the Commissioner's Cup tournament. The Fever's current record stands at 5-5, and they are striving to secure a spot in the Commissioner's Cup championship game. The Fever earned $3,000 for their Commissioner's Cup beneficiary, Peace Learning Center, bringing their tournament total to $10,000 with a 3-1 record.
Looking ahead, the Indiana Fever will continue their homestand against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday, June 17. This game marks their final conference game of the 2025 Commissioner's Cup. With momentum on their side and a renewed sense of confidence, the Fever will aim to build upon their recent success and solidify their position in the league standings. Stephanie White is in her second stint as head coach of the Indiana Fever, having previously coached the team from 2015-2016.
