The indiana fever recently secured their first-ever commissioner’s Cup title, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 74-59 in a significant victory. While the team celebrated this historic achievement, two distinct social media moments involving Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark stole headlines, catapulting the team further into the online spotlight during their triumphant night. These viral interactions captivated fans, showcasing both spontaneous locker room joy and witty online presence.
Fever Clinch Historic Commissioner’s Cup Title
On Tuesday, July 1st, the Indiana Fever made franchise history. They faced off against the Minnesota Lynx in the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup Final and emerged victorious with a commanding 74-59 win. This championship game marked a significant milestone, delivering the Fever their inaugural Cup title. The win brought considerable pride to the team and secured a substantial $500,000 prize. This moment highlighted the team’s capability to perform under pressure on a big stage.
Sophie Cunningham’s Locker Room Celebration Goes Viral
Amidst the post-game celebrations, Indiana Fever player Sophie Cunningham became an unexpected social media sensation. The 28-year-old was captured on video during a livestream hosted by her teammate, Sydney Colson. In a brief but memorable moment in the locker room, Cunningham turned her back to the camera and performed a short twerking dance. This clip, shared on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms, quickly spread across social media, becoming a viral hit.
Cunningham, often characterized as the team’s “unofficial hype queen,” has a history of gaining significant social media attention. She had previously gone viral after being ejected from a game on June 17th against the Connecticut Sun for defending Caitlin Clark. This earlier incident had already boosted her online popularity, and the Commissioner’s Cup celebration video further solidified her presence in the social media conversation surrounding the WNBA.
The response to Cunningham’s celebratory dance was varied. Many fans online praised her energy and the spontaneous display of joy. Comments like, “Now this is how you get WNBA viewership up,” “We’re here for it!,” and “Sophie giving the fans what they all wanted” reflected positive reactions, viewing the moment as entertaining and good for attracting attention to the league.
However, the video also drew criticism from some users. Negative reactions included remarks such as, “Yet they want us to take the WNBA seriously,” and critical comments about the dance itself. This mixed reaction highlights the diverse perspectives within the online fan base regarding player celebrations and league image.
Caitlin Clark’s Witty Fan Interaction
Adding another layer to the Fever’s viral night was a separate social media interaction involving Caitlin Clark. Clark, who was absent from the Commissioner’s Cup Final due to a groin strain (her third consecutive missed game), still managed to go viral. A fan left a comment on her Instagram asking her to “shake it.”
Clark’s response was both witty and widely shared. She replied to the fan’s comment with, “I don’t think you guys want that.” This brief, composed rejection quickly spread online, becoming a meme and further cementing Clark’s public persona for her quick-witted responses. The interaction generated significant buzz despite her absence from the court.
Clark’s absence in the final underscored the importance of the team’s performance. Her witty online moment provided an additional talking point, keeping her name connected to the team’s success even while she was sidelined.
Fever Show Depth and Resilience Without Clark
The Indiana Fever’s victory was particularly impressive as they secured the title without their star player, Caitlin Clark. The game itself demonstrated the team’s depth and resilience. They overcame an early 13-point deficit against the Lynx, executing a dominant 18-0 run in the second quarter to take control of the game.
The win was a true team effort. Natasha Howard delivered a standout performance, earning the unanimous Commissioner’s Cup MVP award. Howard contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds, providing crucial scoring and strong defensive play, particularly against Lynx star Napheesa Collier. Aliyah Boston also achieved a double-double, further highlighting the team’s strength in the frontcourt. Sophie Cunningham wasn’t just celebrating; she contributed 13 points, including a key game-sealing three-pointer in the fourth quarter that helped secure the win.
The Commissioner’s Cup win proves the Indiana Fever is far more than a team solely dependent on Caitlin Clark. They showed they possess the ability to succeed under pressure with a deep and resilient roster. This victory, amplified by the viral social media moments, ensures the significance of their achievement was widely noticed, boosting visibility for both the team and the WNBA.
With Clark’s anticipated return and the team’s demonstrated capability, positive energy, and newfound swagger, the Indiana Fever appears well-positioned for continued relevance and success in the league. The viral moments added entertainment value, while the game result proved their potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the Indiana Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup win?
The Indiana Fever defeated the Minnesota Lynx in the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup Final with a final score of 74-59. This victory marked the franchise’s first time winning the Cup title and came with a significant $500,000 prize.
Why didn’t Caitlin Clark play in the Commissioner’s Cup Final?
Caitlin Clark was sidelined for the Commissioner’s Cup Final due to a groin strain. It was her third consecutive game missed because of the injury. Despite her absence from the court, Clark still made headlines with a viral social media interaction during the same timeframe.
Who was named Commissioner’s Cup MVP for the final game?
Natasha Howard of the Indiana Fever was named the unanimous Commissioner’s Cup MVP for her outstanding performance in the final against the Minnesota Lynx. Howard recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Fever’s historic 74-59 victory.
The Indiana Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup win was a significant team achievement, showcasing their depth and ability to win big games. The viral moments from Sophie Cunningham’s celebration and Caitlin Clark’s witty response added a layer of online buzz, drawing even more attention to the team and the league during this celebratory period. These moments, alongside the impressive team performance, signal a promising outlook for the Fever as the season continues.
