Natasha Howard Leads Indiana Fever to Victory in WNBA Commissioner’s Cup
In a night filled with emotions, the Indiana Fever triumphed over the Minnesota Lynx in the final of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, with a final score of 74-59. The match, played on Tuesday, saw Natasha Howard shine with an impressive performance. Howard, with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, was fundamental to the Fever’s victory. Despite the absence of All-Star player Caitlin Clark, who is out of action due to an injury, the team demonstrated its strength and determination. The Fever, considered underdogs by 10.5 points, achieved their seventh victory of the season as an “underdog”, and the first for them in this condition. Minnesota’s offense had its worst performance of the season, with 34.9% field goal shooting and only 4 of 16 three-pointers. Sophie Cunningham scored 13 points, while Aliyah Boston, Aari McDonald, and Kelsey Mitchell each contributed 12 points.Howard was unanimously awarded MVP.
Alofoke Deportes
For the Lynx, Alanna Smith led with 15 points, followed by Napheesa Collier with 12 points and nine rebounds, and Courtney Williams with 11 points. Smith started a 12-0 run with a three-pointer and an acrobatic play that gave them an initial lead of 18-9.
The Lynx extended their lead to 27-14 at the start of the second quarter, but then went scoreless for the final 8:17 of the first half, allowing the Fever to come back. Cunningham scored two three-pointers to close the quarter with an 18-0 run, leading the Fever to a 32-27 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, Howard scored 10 points, extending the Fever’s lead to double digits. Despite the Lynx’s attempts to close the gap, Cunningham hit a crucial three-pointer in the final quarter to secure the Fever’s victory.
