The Indiana Fever announced their first-ever WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final berth during a hard-fought 88-77 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on June 19 2025 at Chase Center. Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston shone but Kayla Thornton’s heroics lifted the Valkyries.

Fever’s Historic Cup Milestone

Midway through the third quarter the Fever shared blockbuster news: they clinched a spot in the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup final set for July 1 against Minnesota. The announcement aired on Amazon Prime’s broadcast sparking cheers despite Indy’s on-court struggle. The Fever’s 4-1 Cup run capped by an 88-71 win over Connecticut on June 17 secured their historic berth alongside New York’s upset of Atlanta. “The arena buzzed like a playoff game when they announced it” a Chase Center vendor told fans near the concourse.

X posts under “indiana fever” erupted with fans chanting “Cup bound!” while others praised Boston’s “beast mode” double-double. The Fever’s milestone marks a turnaround from their 6-28 2018 season making them a top Eastern Conference contender at 6-6.

Valkyries Outlast Fever in Thriller

Golden State (6-6) rallied from a 13-point hole to hand Indy (6-6) their sixth loss. The Fever led after each of the first three quarters with Boston’s 17 points and 12 rebounds dominating early. Clark added 11 points nine assists and seven rebounds but went cold in the first half. Thornton’s 16 points and six rebounds including a clutch fourth-quarter jumper sealed the Valkyries’ win. Tiffany Hayes back from injury chipped in 14 points and five assists.

The Valkyries’ 10-2 third-quarter run led by Kate Martin’s nine points flipped the game. Indy’s five turnovers and Boston’s fifth foul hurt late. Golden State’s 36.2 rebounds per game outmuscled Indy’s 33.6. X trends like “valkyries vs fever” hailed Thornton’s “vet savvy” while some groaned at Clark’s “off night.”

Game Changing Moments

Indy surged to a 13-7 first-quarter lead with Natasha Howard’s four points. Clark’s no-look passes sparked a 10-3 third-quarter run but her 2-for-9 first-half shooting stalled Indy. Golden State’s Carla Leite and Chloe Bibby each scored eight early keeping it tight. Martin’s back-to-back baskets in the third’s final minute gave the Valkyries their first lead. Thornton’s 7-for-12 shooting and Hayes’ 32 minutes proved decisive.

A pal at a Fever watch party said Clark’s third-quarter three felt like her Iowa days but Indy’s late collapse stung. The Valkyries’ defensive edge third in steals fourth in rebounds smothered Indy’s 45.5% shooting.

Clark and Boston Carry Fever

Despite the loss Clark’s return from a quad injury has Indy rolling. Her 21.3 points and 8.7 assists per game fuel a squad with Kelsey Mitchell’s 11-game scoring streak and Lexie Hull’s 56.7% threes. Boston’s 7.7 rebounds and 2.5 offensive boards anchor Indy’s frontcourt. Acting coach Austin Kelly filled in for Stephanie White who missed the game for personal reasons.

Valkyries Expansion Grit

Golden State’s 6-6 record defies expansion woes. Thornton’s 14.6 points and 7.2 rebounds lead a roster missing Temi Fagbenle due to EuroBasket. Veronica Burton’s 5.4 assists and rookie Bree Hall’s debut add spark. Their fourth win in five games sets a WNBA record for fastest expansion-team start.

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