Indianapolis– In a captivating early-season showdown, the Indiana Fever hosted the New York Liberty on May 24, 2025, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, delivering one of the most compelling games of the WNBA season thus far. The matchup ended in a nail-biting 90–88 victory for the Liberty, showcasing elite talent, momentum swings, and fourth-quarter heroics that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The game started with both teams exchanging baskets in the first quarter. The Liberty, coming into the contest with a perfect 2–0 record, leaned on the veteran presence of Jonquel Jones, who quickly found her rhythm on the offensive end. Jones was dominant throughout, finishing with 26 points and asserting herself as the game’s most impactful player. She controlled the pace, found her spots efficiently, and came up clutch during the Liberty’s decisive run in the fourth quarter.
For the Indiana Fever, this matchup was yet another litmus test in their evolving 2025 campaign. Despite entering the game with a 2–1 record, the team faced a stiff challenge against one of the WNBA’s most balanced rosters. Still, the Fever rose to the occasion, led by second-year forward Aliyah Boston, who posted a season-high 27 points. Boston’s strength in the paint and mid-range shooting kept Indiana within striking distance through much of the game.
The Fever’s offensive structure revolved around Caitlin Clark, the 2024 top draft pick and college basketball sensation. Although she didn’t lead in scoring, Clark’s court vision and distribution were central to Indiana’s attack. She dished out 8 assists, orchestrating several key plays that allowed the Fever to mount a significant third-quarter comeback. Trailing by 11 at halftime, Indiana outscored New York 30–13 in the third, flipping the momentum with strong ball movement and increased defensive pressure.
However, as the final quarter unfolded, the Liberty demonstrated why they are considered early championship favorites. Sabrina Ionescu, who had been relatively quiet during Indiana’s surge, re-emerged with crucial buckets, including a three-pointer that gave New York a late-game edge. Ionescu finished with 15 points and several key defensive stops that stalled Indiana’s rhythm.
New York’s late-game execution proved to be the difference. With the game tied in the final minute, a perfectly executed pick-and-roll between Ionescu and Jones resulted in a go-ahead layup. Indiana had a final chance to tie or win, but a contested shot from beyond the arc missed the mark as the buzzer sounded, sealing a hard-fought 90–88 win for the visitors.
Statistically, the teams were evenly matched, with the Liberty shooting 48.5% from the field and the Fever not far behind at 45.2%. New York capitalized at the free-throw line with a sharp 92.3% accuracy, while Indiana converted 85.7% of their attempts. Rebounding and assists were nearly even, highlighting the evenly played nature of the contest.
This game served as a statement for both franchises. For the Liberty, improving to 3–0 reaffirms their championship aspirations and depth. For the Fever, the narrow loss showcased their growth and potential, particularly as Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark continue to develop their chemistry and leadership.
Looking ahead, this early-season thriller could serve as a preview of future playoff battles. With rising stars on both rosters and elite veterans providing stability, Fever vs Liberty is fast becoming one of the must-watch matchups of the WNBA season.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely when these teams meet again, especially if Saturday’s fireworks are any indication of what’s to come.
