Caitlin Clark made a triumphant return to the court, leading the Indiana Fever to a resounding 102-88 victory over the previously undefeated New York Liberty on Saturday, June 14, 2025. This win not only snapped the Liberty's impressive 9-0 start to the season but also showcased Clark's resilience and impact on the Fever's performance.
Clark, who had been sidelined for five games due to a quad strain, displayed no signs of rust as she exploded for a season-high 32 points. She tied her career-high with seven three-pointers, demonstrating her range and accuracy from beyond the arc. Her performance wasn't limited to scoring, as she also contributed eight rebounds and nine assists, nearly achieving a triple-double.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading runs. The Liberty initially jumped out to a double-digit lead, but Clark quickly ignited the Fever's offense with a series of three-pointers late in the first quarter. She hit three consecutive three-pointers in a mere 33-second span, electrifying the crowd and signaling her return in a big way. The Fever then carried that momentum into the second quarter, outscoring the Liberty and taking a lead into halftime.
After the break, the Liberty came out strong, starting the third quarter with a 9-0 run to regain the lead. However, the Fever responded emphatically with a 17-0 run of their own, highlighted by Clark's seventh three-pointer of the game. This surge gave the Fever a comfortable lead that they would not relinquish.
The Liberty attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter, pulling within three points with six minutes remaining. But the Fever, led by Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, held their ground and closed out the game with a strong finish. The Fever's balanced attack, with four players scoring in double figures, proved too much for the Liberty to handle. Mitchell added 22 points, Lexie Hull contributed 14, and Boston recorded a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Indiana's three-point shooting was a key factor in their victory. The Fever set a franchise record with 17 made three-pointers on 35 attempts, shooting an impressive 48.6% from beyond the arc. In contrast, the Liberty struggled from long range, making only 6 of their 29 attempts (20.7%).
Sabrina Ionescu led the Liberty with a game-high 34 points, while Breanna Stewart added 24. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Fever's hot shooting and Clark's stellar performance.
With this win, the Indiana Fever improved to a 5-5 record, gaining valuable ground in the playoff race. The team also secured their third Commissioner's Cup victory and earned $3,000 for their Commissioner's Cup beneficiary, Peace Learning Center, bringing their tournament total to $10,000. The Fever will look to build on this momentum as they face the Connecticut Sun in their next game.
