Indiana Fever Clinch East’s Top Spot in Commissioner’s Cup Standings With Huge Win Over Connecticut Sun on the Road

The Indiana Fever have officially stamped their place in the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup championship game, following a statement-making 83–78 win over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night. In a season marked by growth, resilience, and skyrocketing attention, the Fever’s latest achievement represents more than just a spot in a midseason showcase — it’s a signal to the rest of the league that Indiana is no longer a rebuilding project. They’re contenders.

By virtue of this win, Indiana finishes Commissioner’s Cup play with the best record in the Eastern Conference, edging out Connecticut, New York, and Atlanta to secure a trip to the championship round against the Western Conference leader. It marks the franchise’s first appearance in the Commissioner’s Cup title game and adds to a growing list of firsts for a Fever squad headlined by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.

Facing the team that had already handed them two losses this season, the Fever came into Mohegan Sun Arena with a point to prove. From the opening tip, Indiana looked energized and cohesive, jumping out to a 12-point lead by halftime behind strong performances from Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. The ball movement was crisp, the defense was active, and the Fever displayed a level of urgency befitting a team with championship aspirations.

Clark, as she has done so often in her young professional career, led the charge. The rookie point guard tallied 21 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds, dictating the pace of play while delivering several crowd-silencing three-pointers that shifted momentum in Indiana’s favor. Her combination of court vision and long-range shooting forced Connecticut to stretch its defense, which in turn opened the lane for Boston and NaLyssa Smith to operate in the paint.

Aliyah Boston recorded her sixth double-double of the season, posting 16 points and 11 rebounds while providing critical rim protection late in the fourth quarter. Mitchell added 19 points, including a key and-one basket that extended Indiana’s lead to six with just under two minutes to play. Connecticut, who had won five straight games heading into Tuesday night, made a late surge behind DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas, but Indiana held firm.

In a game that featured physical play, multiple lead changes, and postseason-level intensity, the Fever responded to every Connecticut run with poise and precision. Head coach Christie Sides praised her team’s composure and maturity after the game, noting that the win represents not only a ticket to the Commissioner’s Cup final but also a critical benchmark in the team’s evolution.

“We came in here knowing what was at stake,” Sides said. “To clinch the Commissioner’s Cup spot on the road, in a hostile environment, against a veteran team — that’s a huge step for us. I’m proud of how we stayed together.”

The Cup format, introduced in 2021, designates a portion of regular season games as Commissioner’s Cup games, with the best team from each conference advancing to a one-game championship. Beyond the prestige, players on the winning team receive bonus compensation, adding extra incentive to an already competitive season.

The Eastern Conference portion of Cup play wrapped with Indiana at the top of the standings. What makes the Fever’s rise particularly impressive is the context: this is a team that won just 13 total games last season. But with a foundational frontcourt in Boston and Smith, improved guard play, and the addition of Clark — whose arrival has brought both a national spotlight and a competitive fire — Indiana has transformed into one of the league’s most dangerous squads.

Tuesday’s win also avenged a pair of earlier losses to Connecticut, including a 92–71 blowout just weeks ago in Uncasville. In that game, the Fever struggled with turnovers and defensive breakdowns, allowing the Sun to dominate from start to finish. This time, Indiana reversed the narrative. Their defense closed out on shooters, limited second-chance opportunities, and forced Connecticut into tough shots late in the shot clock. The rebounding battle, which had been lopsided in the previous meetings, was much more even.

Veteran presence was also crucial. Kristy Wallace came off the bench to hit two momentum-shifting threes, and Temi Fagbenle provided important minutes with Smith in foul trouble. It was a complete team effort, which has become a defining trait of this Fever roster. Every player understands their role, and perhaps most importantly, they trust one another.

That trust will be key as Indiana prepares to face the Western Conference’s top team — which, as of now, appears likely to be the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces or the upstart Minnesota Lynx. Either matchup would present a stiff test, but one the Fever will welcome. The Commissioner’s Cup championship game, slated for June 25, offers Indiana not just a chance at a trophy, but also an early litmus test for how they stack up against the league’s elite.

The Sun, for their part, were led by Thomas’ near triple-double (17 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists) and Bonner’s 20 points, but were ultimately undone by cold shooting stretches and uncharacteristic turnovers in the final five minutes. Despite the loss, Connecticut remains one of the league’s top teams and figures to be a major factor in the playoff race.

But Tuesday night belonged to Indiana. The win doesn’t count toward the regular season standings, but its significance can’t be overstated. It’s a validation of the Fever’s process, a reward for their perseverance, and a glimpse of what could be a new era in Indiana basketball.

After the game, Clark spoke about what it meant to lead her team to the Cup final.

“We’ve worked so hard to build something here,” she said. “This team has been through a lot, and to see it start to pay off — especially in games like this — is special. But we’re not satisfied. We want to go win that thing.”

And why not? The Fever have shown they can win on the road, win in high-pressure moments, and win with different players stepping up. They’ve beaten playoff-caliber teams and have improved steadily in virtually every statistical category compared to last season. With a balanced offense, an improving defense, and a chip on their shoulder, Indiana is no longer a team looking for respect — they’ve earned it.

For fans in Indiana, the Commissioner’s Cup run is a welcome and long-overdue moment of celebration. After years of draft picks, player development, and roster shuffling, the Fever finally appear to have found the right combination. The journey to get here wasn’t easy, but it’s made the view from the top of the East that much sweeter.

One game now separates Indiana from its first midseason title in franchise history. And if the past month is any indication, they won’t be intimidated by the stage. Not with Caitlin Clark at the helm. Not with Boston dominating the paint. Not with a team that believes its best basketball is still ahead.

Indiana Fever basketball has arrived — and the league is officially on notice.