The Indiana Fever secured a 106-92 victory over the New York Liberty on Tuesday night, marking their seventh win in nine games and strengthening their position in the WNBA Eastern Conference standings.
Stephanie White, head coach of the Fever, delivered a two-minute statement to reporters before the game, addressing what she described as "outside noise" surrounding the team and league. She emphasized unity and condemned what she framed as divisive rhetoric. White did not take questions afterward.
Following the win, Sophie Cunningham highlighted the team's cohesion, stating, "Our locker room is good... that's what it is to be an Indiana Fever." She also referenced the DiJonai Carrington foul from the Fever's previous game in Chicago, noting that White had not seen the play in real time. Cunningham added, "DiJonai is a great player... [White] coached her for years in Connecticut."
Key Performances:
- Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 28 points, while Caitlin Clark (22 points, 10 assists) and Aliyah Boston (19 points, 7 rebounds) recorded double-double performances.
- Sophie Cunningham contributed 12 points off the bench, including four three-pointers.
- For the Liberty, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu each scored 19 points, with Jonquel Jones posting a double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds).
Coach White’s Remarks:
White’s pregame address centered on rejecting what she termed "hate, fearmongering, and divisiveness" in the league. She stated, "The hate... will not win. It won’t win. We are united. We are connected. We will not be divided." White also praised her players, saying, "Every day these women put their ass on the line."
Carrington Foul Context:
Cunningham was ejected in the Fever’s prior game after a flagrant foul by Carrington. White acknowledged she had not seen the play in real time, adding, "Me and Steph are great... it’s really the outside noise that’s trying to distract us."
The Fever’s win follows a stretch of strong performances, with Mitchell, Clark, and Boston all contributing consistently. The team’s focus remains on playoff contention as the season progresses.