Congrats to the Indiana Fever on their first ever Commissioner’s Cup Championship

The Indiana Fever have officially entered a new era of excellence in the WNBA. After years of building and working toward this moment, they have achieved a historic milestone: their first-ever Commissioner’s Cup Championship. This monumental victory not only marks the franchise’s rise to prominence but also signifies a new chapter in their pursuit of championship glory. The Fever’s triumph in the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup was a testament to the team’s resilience, dedication, and growth, with a strong emphasis on their emerging stars, especially the leadership of Aliyah Boston.

The Commissioner’s Cup, a midseason tournament introduced by the WNBA in 2021, provides a unique platform for teams to compete for a prestigious title outside of the traditional postseason structure. It serves as an exciting competition that adds another layer of intrigue to the WNBA season, with teams vying for the $500,000 prize pool and the chance to be crowned champions in this special event.

For the Indiana Fever, this achievement is not only a testament to their progress but also a reflection of the hard work, team chemistry, and individual brilliance that have defined their season. This victory sets the stage for future success, and as the team celebrates this hard-fought win, they are also laying the groundwork for even greater achievements to come.

The path to the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup Championship was one that saw the Fever evolve into one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Coming off a period of rebuilding, Indiana was ready to take the next step and compete with the league’s elite. With Aliyah Boston, one of the brightest stars in the WNBA, leading the charge, the Fever showed incredible growth in their execution, intensity, and consistency.

Under the leadership of head coach Lynn Dunn, the Fever had put together a roster that blended experienced players with emerging talent. Dunn’s strategy of focusing on defense, rebounding, and fast-paced offense set the foundation for a team that could compete with any opponent. Key players like Kelsey Mitchell, Victoria Vivians, and NaLyssa Smith joined forces with Boston to create a cohesive unit, with each player understanding her role and contributing to the team’s success.

The Fever’s journey to the Commissioner’s Cup Final was not without challenges. Throughout the regular season, they faced off against some of the best teams in the league, including perennial powerhouses like the Seattle Storm, Las Vegas Aces, and Chicago Sky. But it was the Fever’s ability to execute in critical moments, especially in the second half of the season, that set them apart from the pack.

Indiana’s ability to close out tight games, play lockdown defense, and push the pace in transition were key factors in their rise to the top. One of the most telling moments came in the semifinals, where they faced off against the Las Vegas Aces—the defending champions and a team many predicted to repeat as Cup winners. With stellar performances from Boston and Mitchell, and a collective team effort, the Fever overcame the Aces in a thrilling contest that demonstrated their readiness to take on any challenge.

As the Fever advanced to the final, it was clear that they were playing with a level of cohesion and confidence that few teams could match. They had arrived on the biggest stage, and nothing was going to stop them from claiming the Commissioner’s Cup title.

While the victory was truly a team effort, several players stood out with their exceptional performances throughout the Commissioner’s Cup tournament and particularly in the final against the Washington Mystics, where the Fever captured the title. Let’s break down the key contributors to this historic achievement.

Aliyah Boston, the 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year, was undoubtedly the Indiana Fever’s most valuable player during the Commissioner’s Cup Final. With her dominant presence on both ends of the floor, Boston helped elevate her team in a way that only the league’s top stars can. Her impact was felt in every aspect of the game, from grabbing crucial rebounds to locking down opponents on defense to scoring efficiently on offense.

In the Commissioner’s Cup Final, Boston was a force, finishing with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Her ability to control the paint and dominate the boards allowed the Fever to stifle Washington’s offensive efforts. On offense, Boston’s versatility was on full display, as she scored in the post, hit mid-range jumpers, and even stepped out to hit a few three-pointers, making her a matchup nightmare for the Mystics.

Boston’s leadership was also critical in the Fever’s victory. She set the tone for the entire team, leading by example with her work ethic and unselfishness. She has consistently demonstrated an ability to perform under pressure, and the Commissioner’s Cup Final was no exception. Her all-around performance proved why she is one of the brightest young stars in the league, and her continued growth is one of the most exciting aspects of the Fever’s future.

While Boston anchored the team on both ends, Kelsey Mitchell provided the scoring spark that pushed the Fever to victory. As one of the league’s most talented offensive players, Mitchell was instrumental in providing scoring when the team needed it most. She was particularly effective in transition, using her speed and scoring ability to put constant pressure on the Mystics’ defense.

In the final, Mitchell tallied 18 points and played a key role in breaking open the game in the second half. Her ability to hit clutch shots, especially from beyond the arc, kept the Mystics on their toes. Mitchell’s offensive firepower was a perfect complement to Boston’s dominance in the post, and together, they formed one of the most potent duos in the league.

As the Fever’s primary scorer, Mitchell’s ability to create her own shot and make plays for her teammates made her a constant threat. Her leadership and confidence were critical in helping the Fever stay composed during moments of adversity, and she proved once again why she is one of the premier guards in the league.

Another key contributor to the Fever’s success was Victoria Vivians, who made her presence felt on both ends of the floor. Known for her defensive tenacity, Vivians was a key part of the Fever’s defensive schemes, particularly in slowing down the Mystics’ top scorers. Vivians’ ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes was instrumental in limiting Washington’s offensive flow throughout the game.

Offensively, Vivians provided timely scoring, chipping in 12 points in the final. Her ability to hit open shots, particularly from deep, stretched Washington’s defense and opened up opportunities for her teammates. Vivians’ all-around game made her an invaluable asset to the Fever, and her contributions were crucial to their ultimate victory.

Rounding out the key contributors was NaLyssa Smith, whose energy and hustle were contagious throughout the tournament. Smith’s ability to crash the boards, provide second-chance opportunities, and play gritty defense made her a pivotal part of the Fever’s success. She brought an unmatched level of intensity, diving for loose balls, securing tough rebounds, and setting screens to create space for her teammates.

In the final, Smith finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds, playing a crucial role in securing the win. Her energy on both ends of the floor was a driving force for the Fever, and her ability to contribute without demanding the spotlight showed her value as a team player.

One of the unsung heroes of the Fever’s success in the Commissioner’s Cup was head coach Lynn Dunn. Dunn, who took over as the Fever’s head coach in 2023, has been instrumental in reshaping the team’s culture and identity. Known for her defensive mindset and emphasis on teamwork, Dunn has instilled a sense of discipline and accountability in her players.

Her ability to develop a cohesive unit, where each player understands her role and contributes in meaningful ways, was evident throughout the Commissioner’s Cup. Dunn’s leadership and coaching acumen were critical in helping the Fever execute in key moments during the tournament, especially in the final. She kept the team focused, composed, and ready for the challenge that lay ahead.

Dunn’s success in leading the Fever to their first-ever Commissioner’s Cup Championship marks a significant milestone in her coaching career and is a reflection of the hard work and dedication she’s put into turning the team around. The victory serves as validation for her approach and sets the stage for even more success in the future.

This first-ever Commissioner’s Cup Championship represents much more than just a midseason title—it is a clear signal that the Indiana Fever are back. After years of rebuilding and uncertainty, the Fever have shown that they have the talent, leadership, and drive to compete with the best teams in the league.

For Aliyah Boston, this victory is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and successful career with the Fever. Her leadership, talent, and unrelenting drive will continue to be the foundation of the team’s success moving forward. For Kelsey Mitchell, Victoria Vivians, and NaLyssa Smith, this championship victory provides a much-needed confidence boost as they continue to develop and grow as players.

This win also signals to the rest of the league that the Fever are contenders. With a core of young talent and a coach who knows how to get the best out of her players, the Fever are poised to be a force in the WNBA for years to come. The future is bright for Indiana, and with this Commissioner’s Cup Championship in hand, they are well on their way to becoming a perennial contender in the league.