Caitlin Clark Misses Fever’s Biggest Game of the Regular Season — But Indiana Still Makes WNBA History

On July 29, 2025, the Indiana Fever took the court for what was arguably the most important game of their regular season. The stakes were high. The pressure was palpable. The opponent? The high-flying Minnesota Lynx, leaders in offensive rating and one of the favorites to win it all this season.

Yet the biggest headline wasn’t just about who the Fever were playing — it was about who they were missing.

Superstar rookie-turned-leader Caitlin Clark, the face of Indiana’s season and arguably the face of the WNBA’s ongoing popularity surge, was sidelined with a groin injury — her third straight missed game, and a crushing blow on paper for the Fever. But reality would soon prove otherwise.

Underdogs? Not Today. Fever Stun Lynx in Historic Upset

If anyone forgot to tell Indiana Fever that they were underdogs, they certainly didn’t act like it.

With a mix of grit, discipline, and inspired team basketball, the Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx 74–59 in Minneapolis to claim the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship — their first Cup win and one of the most meaningful victories in franchise history.

Despite missing their offensive engine, Clark, the Fever executed a near-flawless game plan, holding the Lynx — the league’s most efficient offense — to just 59 points on poor shooting and double-digit turnovers. It was a defensive masterclass that stunned analysts and fans alike.

Clark on the Sidelines — But Still Leading

Though Clark couldn’t suit up, she wasn’t absent from the team’s emotional core. Far from it. Throughout the night, she was seen cheering, clapping, and energizing her teammates from the bench — a spirited team captain and motivator who remained emotionally invested every second of the way.

Multiple Fever players would later speak about Clark’s influence during timeouts and pregame huddles. “She may not have been playing,” one player said, “but her voice was loud and her presence was felt.”

Balance Without the Star

One of the most impressive parts of the Fever’s win? Five different players scored in double figures — showing the depth of Indiana’s roster and their ability to rise collectively when needed most.

Natasha Howard, the veteran forward, turned in a dominant two-way performance: 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists, earning her the title of Commissioner’s Cup MVP. Her energy set the tone, particularly on defense.

Aliyah Boston, the second-year rising star, also had a monster night, contributing 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. She served as both a rim protector and playmaker in Clark’s absence.

Kelsey Mitchell, Aari McDonald, and Sophie Cunningham rounded out the balanced scoring effort, each adding crucial points and energy plays at pivotal moments.

It was total basketball — driven not by one superstar, but by a unified system.

A Viral Celebration – and a Taylor Swift Shoutout

After the win, the party was on. In the locker room, celebrations exploded into laughter, champagne showers, dancing, and… a bit of unexpected pop culture.

As the team streamed the celebration live on Instagram, one player recorded a moment where Caitlin Clark declared proudly, “Taylor is the GOAT.” The brief yet viral comment referencing Taylor Swift immediately sent fans online into a frenzy — especially Swifties.

Some saw it as a fun nod to the music icon who has been a rallying point for many young female athletes. Others speculated if there was more behind the comment — was Clark joking, or did Swift really inspire her game-day mindset? Either way, the clip was shared across TikTok, Twitter, and sports blogs within hours.

The Plum Controversy: Clark’s Six-Word Comeback

But Taylor Swift wasn’t the only headline from the celebration.

Just days earlier, Clark had found herself at the center of a mini-controversy after Kelsey Plum criticized her and other Fever players for not supporting a T-shirt protest during the WNBA All-Star Game. The shirts read: “Pay Us What You Owe Us” — a reference to gender pay disparity.

When asked about the controversy, Clark didn’t engage directly. But during the celebration livestream, she was overheard responding with a cheeky six-word jab: “Guess who’s holding the trophy now?”

The remark, subtle yet biting, was instantly interpreted by fans and media as a clapback toward Plum. The Internet erupted, with many praising Clark’s confidence — while others questioned the tone of the feud brewing between two of the league’s most high-profile players.

Big Money, Bigger Statement

Beyond the trophy and the bragging rights, the Fever took home $500,000 in prize money, split among the players. Each member of the roster also received a small bonus in cryptocurrency, a new initiative tied to the Commissioner’s Cup partnership with a fintech sponsor.

For context: in a league where some players still make less than six figures annually, this win was no small deal. For many athletes, it was the most significant paycheck of their careers — earned on a night when the odds were stacked against them.

It’s hard not to imagine what the Fever might accomplish once Caitlin Clark is fully healthy again. This win proved they could win without her — but with her back on the court? They could be unstoppable.

Clark’s Injury and Recovery Timeline

Clark has been dealing with a left groin strain, which sidelined her for the Commissioner’s Cup final and two games prior. This is not the first time she’s missed action in 2025; earlier in the season, she was out for five games due to a quad strain.

Coaching staff have emphasized caution, with Coach Stephanie White reiterating that Clark’s long-term health is the priority.

“She’s our future,” White said after the Cup Final. “There’s no rushing this. She’ll be back when she’s ready — and when she comes back, she’ll be even stronger.”

Clark, in her second WNBA season, has been averaging 18.2 points, 8.7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game. Her shooting from three-point range has dipped slightly (26%), but her playmaking and court vision continue to electrify crowds.

The Road Ahead for Indiana

With the Commissioner’s Cup now in their trophy case, the Indiana Fever have their eyes set firmly on the postseason. Their win over Minnesota wasn’t just a symbolic triumph — it proved they could hang with, and beat, the WNBA’s best.

They’ll head into a challenging stretch of games with cautious optimism. Clark’s return is anticipated sometime in mid to late August, depending on her recovery. Until then, Boston, Howard, and Mitchell are expected to carry the load — supported by role players who have now proven their mettle.

A Defining Moment for the Fever

The 2025 Commissioner’s Cup final may be remembered for many things:

A superstar leader cheering from the sidelines.

A roster of underestimated players rising to the moment.

A viral quote about Taylor Swift.

A clapback heard around the WNBA.

And half a million dollars earned by a team that refused to back down.

But most of all, it will be remembered as the night Indiana Fever announced themselves as real contenders — not someday, but now.

And when Caitlin Clark returns?

Well… the rest of the league better be ready.