Indiana Fever vs New York Liberty highlights: New York pulls away early as Indiana falters without star rookie
The New York Liberty secured a strong 98-77 win against the Indiana Fever at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The reigning WNBA champions displayed their strength and depth, taking an early lead and maintaining it throughout the game.
For the Fever, missing star rookie Caitlin Clark due to a right groin injury was a significant setback, particularly on the second night of a back-to-back. Here's all the info you need about the game, including major highlights, essential context, and player reactions.
Indiana
Fever struggle without Caitlin Clark and shoot just 36.8 percent from the field
The New York Liberty set the pace right from the beginning, increasing their lead to 26 points by the third quarter. Breanna
Stewart
was phenomenal, putting up 24 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, dishing out seven assists, blocking four shots, and stealing the ball once.
Five players from the Liberty reached double figures, demonstrating the team's diverse scoring options. Sabrina Ionescu contributed 15 points and seven assists, just shy of a double-double.
The Indiana Fever had a tough time on offense without Clark, hitting only 36.8% of their shots from the field, this was their fourth-worst performance of the season. Kelsey Mitchell led Indiana with 16 points, but that wasn't enough to withstand New York's constant pressure.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now
Tips and Tricks
Undo
This defeat left the Fever tied in their season series against the Liberty at 1-1, with Clark having participated in both previous games.
First quarter: New York Liberty Set the Pace
Score: New York Liberty 32, Indiana Fever 24
The New York Liberty came out strong, shooting a remarkable 68.4% from the field and going 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Ionescu led the charge with 10 points, including a slick reverse layup in the closing seconds that pushed the lead to eight, as mentioned in the game recap from Barclays Center.
The Fever kept things interesting, hitting 41.2% of their shots and making 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, while Mitchell contributed eight points. Unfortunately, Aliyah Boston had a rough outing, going 0-for-3 from the field but ended up with four points.
Second quarter: Indiana Fever fade
Halftime Score: New York Liberty 53, Indiana Fever 38
New York beat Indiana 21-14, pushing their lead to 15. The Fever struggled offensively, hitting only 32.4% and missing nine shots in a row, according to the halftime report.
Boston, who has the best field goal percentage in the league at 57.7%, didn't score from the field (0-for-4) and had to depend on five free throws.
By halftime, Stewart was close to a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds, and Ionescu chipped in with 12 points. The Liberty really took control in the paint (28-14) and on fast breaks (10-0).
Third quarter: New York Liberty Peak, Indiana Fever rally late
Score: New York Liberty 74, Indiana Fever 57
The Liberty increased their lead to 26 points, thanks to a shooting percentage of 56.9% and almost 50% from beyond the arc.
Stewart achieved her fifth double-double of the season with 22 points and 10 rebounds by the end of the quarter, plus six assists and four blocks.
The Fever really battled back, wrapping up with a 9-0 run, but their 34.5% shooting percentage couldn't help them catch up. Mitchell had 13 points, and Boston finally got her first field goal, finishing with seven.
Fourth quarter: New York Liberty seal the deal
Final Score: New York Liberty 98, Indiana Fever 77
New York held on tight, gliding to a 21-point win. The Fever's late surge fell flat, while the Liberty's depth was highlighted by Leonie Fiebich (10 points) and others stepping up.
Players who stood out the most
Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty):
24 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 blocks, 1 steal—a masterclass in versatility.
Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty):
15 points, 7 assists, just shy of a double-double.
Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever):
16 points, leading Indiana's scoring effort.
Sophie Cunningham (Indiana Fever):
12 points off the bench.
Aari McDonald (Indiana Fever):
10 points, providing a spark.
Damiris Dantas (Indiana Fever)
: 11 points, another solid bench contribution.
Stephanie White
stays optimistic but admits Clark's repeated injuries are mentally draining
The New York Liberty were the favorites going into the game, especially with the Fever being short-handed. This was the final game for both teams ahead of the 2025 WNBA All-Star weekend, where Clark, Boston, and Mitchell (Fever) and Stewart and Ionescu (Liberty) are all set to shine—Ionescu will be on Team Clark with Boston and Mitchell.
Caitlin Clark's absence was a big deal. She got injured during Tuesday's 85-77 win over the Connecticut Sun and was downgraded from questionable to out after some imaging, as Fever head coach Stephanie White told the press at Barclays Center. This was her 11th game missed this season, following earlier injuries to her left groin and quad strain.
Stephanie White Pregame Media Availability at New York Liberty | July 16, 2025
Stephanie White told reporters before the game that 'The most important thing for us is to keep her upbeat, continue to support her and let her know we got her back,'.
'Being injured and continuing to have setbacks is frustrating … we're prioritizing her long-term health.' he later added.
Also Read:
"I'm her protector. Now, pick on me" — Shaquille O'Neal threatens to punch Robert Griffin III over Angel Reese
The New York Liberty's impressive win was a clear demonstration of their depth and home advantage, whereas the Indiana Fever's challenges without Clark revealed how much they rely on the rookie standout. With both teams heading into the All-Star break—tip-off was at 7:30 p.m. ET on July 16—the spotlight now divides between celebrating the league's stars and contemplating its future.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
'Women Deserve To Be At Table': The WNBA's Signature Shoe Boom
Signature shoes are ready for their share of the Indianapolis spotlight at All-Star weekend. Bright orange All-Star editions of Sabrina Ionescu's and A'ja Wilson's newest sneakers dropped into their eager fans' hands Friday, joining the now legions of WNBA signature shoes on courts across the league. It's the latest installation in a busy boom for WNBA signature sneakers. In the past three years, Breanna Stewart, Ionescu, and Wilson have all released signature shoes, with Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese signatures in the works. 'We knew there would be an adoption, but we didn't know it would be that fast and that grand,' Ben Nethongkome, the lead designer for Ionescu's shoe with Nike, said of the growth of her line. 'It's been highly rewarding to see Nike really addressing the ask and need from that side of the game,' he added. 'It's great to hear the (male signature athletes) giving flowers, like, 'Wow, women's basketball is really growing in a beautiful way.'' StockX, a prominent force in the sneaker resale ecosystem, has been feeling the surge within sneakerhead culture. Sales of WNBA signature sneakers on their site jumped 938% from 2023 to 2024, and they are on pace to see year-over-year sales of them increase by double digits again this year. Brendan Dunne, senior director of customer community and engagement at StockX, called it 'an explosion of interest.' But don't mistake it as a new phenomenon. Call it a comeback. From 1995 to 2010, nine WNBA signature sneakers hit the shelves, led by original stars Sheryl Swoopes and Lisa Leslie. In the next 12 years, there was only one, from Elena Delle Donne. New York Liberty stars All-Stars Stewart and Ionescu were the first two active WNBA players to sign their new deals, with Puma and Nike, respectively, to end the drought and usher in this new era. The most recent Sabrinas and A'Ones, both with Nike, retail at $135 and $115, respectively. The most recent Stewies with Puma retail at $120. 'When I was able to get mine, I understood the gravity of knowing it's going to be a successful business, and showing the world that women deserve to be at the table talking about the signature shoe business,' Ionescu said. 'They really can change the landscape of the sport.' Wilson's first model was released in May. 'It's been a dream come true,' the WNBA MVP said. 'To see everybody in the community wear it, it warms my heart and it never gets old. I'm like, you really took the time to support me.' The Angel Reese 1s are the next drop on the signature shoe calendar, and the shoe's image and 'Diamond Dust' colorway were revealed to the public earlier this month. The shoe will be officially launching in 2026. 'I'm happy for that,' said basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, who has been a mentor for Reese. 'She's having fun. She represents our family.' '(The WNBA) is big, but it needs to become bigger,' he said. Nethongkome said that in comparison to the design style in the 1990s, which was more 'bold and kind of in your face,' many sneakers in their new lines feature more hidden nods, like the slight vertical tip of the Nike logo on Ionescu's shoe to represent the breaking of a glass ceiling or the lowercase 'i' on the heel. Those small design choices are representative of a larger trend in today's new signatures. Personal details and storylines are becoming more prevalent, making each shoe especially distinctive to its athlete. Ionescu's sneakers feature gradient embroidery that pay homage to her Romanian roots, and Wilson's original A'One colorway was pearlescent, as a nod to a pearl necklace her late grandmother gave her. A favorite saying from her grandmother is featured on the outsole: 'As a matter of fact, the best is yet to come.' (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
NDTV
a day ago
- NDTV
Sabrina Ionescu Wins 3-Point Contest, Natasha Cloud Claims Skills Competition In Liberty All-Star Sweep
Sabrina Ionescu put on another shooting clinic to win the 3-point contest for the second time at All-Star weekend on Friday night. The Liberty's star guard, who also won the title in 2023 with a record performance, had a strong final round, scoring 30 points to beat defending champion Allisha Gray. It completed a New York sweep of the night with Liberty teammate Natasha Cloud winning the skills competition. 'It's fun, I was so excited for her, we were talking about it before we even came out here,' Ionescu said. 'About being able to participate in it together and cheer each other on.' Ionescu's effort was less than her record-breaking mark of 37 two years ago when she made 25 of 27 shots — the most ever in either the WNBA or NBA. The total of 30 matched the second-highest in the event, matching Allie Quigley's mark. Quigley is the only other player to win the contest more than once, doing it four times. Ionescu didn't participate in last year's WNBA All-Star 3-point contest as she was focused on getting ready for the Olympics. But she was in Indianapolis for the NBA one, competing against Steph Curry in a special shootout. She fell just short then, but wouldn't lose again in Indianapolis. 'I called Steph and showed off the trophy,' Ionescu said. Atlanta's Gray, who made her own history last year by winning the 3-point shootout and skills competition, fell short in both this time. She had 22 points in the 3-point contest. Gray went last in the opening round and needed to beat Kelsey Plum's 22 points to reach the final round. Gray hit her final four shots, including the money ball to tie Ionescu and advance. Plum, from the Los Angeles Sparks, was looking to become the first player in WNBA history to win an All-Star MVP (2022), skills challenge (2023) and 3-point contest. Lexie Hull who was a fill-in for Indiana teammate Caitlin Clark, who injured her right groin on Tuesday night, scored 20 points to finish fourth. Clark hyped up the crowd from the sideline before Hull's turn. Washington rookie Sonia Citron scored 19 points in the opening round. Cloud had the fastest time in the first round of the obstacle course that combines passing, dribbling and shooting. She needed to beat Seattle's Erica Wheeler's mark of 37.5 seconds in the finals. Cloud won despite missing all three of her shots from the corner over the windmill defender. She was able to get through the obstacle course in 36.4 seconds — 1.1 faster than Wheeler. After beating Wheeler, Cloud hugged Ionescu. She then picked up her girlfriend and Liberty teammate Isabelle Harrison and gave her a hug and kiss. Harrison had told Cloud that she needed to win so they could put a down payment on a house. 'You're gonna get that house,' Cloud said after winning. Cloud received $55,000 from Aflac as part of a partnership with the WNBAPA. She also receives $2,575 from the league for the victory, which was part of the collective bargaining agreement. Ionescu earned $60,000 for her win from Aflac plus the $2,575 from the league. Ionescu said that she was going to give half of her money to Citron, a promise she made to the rookie before the contest. 'I told Sonya that I would give her half if I won when we were sitting on the bench, being the only rookie she was nervous, and I was nervous for her. Obviously have to hold up my end of the bargain. So half is going to go to her.' This was Cloud's first All-Star weekend appearance in her 11-year career. She had never been invited to compete in the skills contest or play in the All-Star Game. 'I'm just really thankful for the opportunity,' Cloud said. Wheeler competed a year after missing the competition in Phoenix because of flight issues due to a faulty software update that caused technological havoc worldwide. Wheeler spent a few years in Indiana and received a loud ovation from the fans when she was introduced. Defending champion Gray, who was wearing custom A'ja Wilson shoes with 'money sign' on them, was in trouble after missing all three of the chest passes, which slowed her time and spoiled her bid for a repeat. She finished the course in 39.4 seconds, which was behind Cloud and Wheeler's opening-round times. Courtney Williams (42.0) and Skylar Diggins (44.3) also didn't make the final round. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Why Natasha Cloud Might Be the Most Underrated Leader in the WNBA: "She Continues to Show There's No Limit"
New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud receives her trophy from WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the 2025 WNBA All Star Skills Challenge at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (Image via Imagn). In a league that often spotlights scorers and viral moments, it's easy to overlook the glue players—the ones who build chemistry, drive accountability, and turn teams into contenders. But Natasha Cloud isn't just any role player. She's the heartbeat of every roster she touches, a vocal leader and elite competitor whose impact extends far beyond the numbers. Why Natasha is The Engine Behind the Team Natasha Cloud has long commanded respect across the WNBA for her tenacious leadership, vocal presence, and ability to lift everyone around her. Whether it's during shootaround or the final minutes of a game, her influence is unmistakable. Teammates consistently praise her leadership skills, including Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, who called her 'our best leader so far,' citing Cloud's on- and off-court communication as a catalyst for team cohesion. On the floor, Cloud is a cerebral floor general. Her career assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.65 reflects a player who brings control, structure, and decision-making precision—particularly in crunch time. Her value isn't just on offense. Cloud's resume includes two WNBA All-Defensive Team selections, and her ability to contain top-tier guards adds immense value on the other end of the court. How Cloud Elevates Every Team She Joins Natasha Cloud (Image via AP Photo by Ross D. Franklin) Natasha Cloud's presence immediately transforms team dynamics. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exciting Offers on vivo X200 FE ViVO X200 FE Book Now Undo Her debut for the Liberty in 2025, after a post-2024 trade from Phoenix and Connecticut, was a masterclass in two-way dominance: 22 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. With game-changing plays in the fourth quarter, she powered her new team past the defending champs. The crowd of 17,000+ at Barclays Center recognized it, giving her a standing ovation that felt like long-overdue appreciation. Since joining New York, Natasha Cloud has flourished. Her high basketball IQ meshes seamlessly with the Liberty's up-tempo system, where she orchestrates possessions and steps up to defend stars like Caitlin Clark. Whether it's creating looks for Breanna Stewart , Sabrina Ionescu, or Jonquel Jones, or taking over when the offense stalls, Cloud's production and efficiency have reached new heights—statistically and emotionally. 'She just continues to show people there's no limit to what someone's capable of doing,' said longtime teammate Myisha Hines-Allen, praising Cloud's continued growth and leadership. Natasha Cloud: A Voice Beyond Basketball Natasha Cloud's influence isn't limited to the hardwood. A fierce advocate for social justice, she's used her platform to speak out on police brutality, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial equity. In 2020, she sat out the season to protest systemic injustice, organizing marches and amplifying community voices. A recipient of the 2019 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award, Cloud's example off the court is just as powerful as her performance on it. She's also a mentor, often guiding younger teammates and building a culture of empathy, accountability, and activism. Her holistic approach to leadership—balancing fire with compassion—makes her one of the most respected voices in the league. Why She's Still Undervalued Despite her resume, Natasha Cloud has often flown under the national radar. While other stars dominate ad campaigns and headlines, she remains the league's unofficial captain—the one players follow and coaches trust when it matters most. Now in a major market with a real title shot, Cloud is finally getting the spotlight she deserves. Also read: Stephen Curry Reacts To The Golden State Warriors Evolving Dynasty as Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney Depart: 'We Avoided All The Evils' She may not be the first name fans think of when talking WNBA stars—but within locker rooms, she's the one who changes everything. The most underrated leader in the WNBA? Ask anyone who's shared a court with her—it's Natasha Cloud, hands down. And her best chapter might still be ahead. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
