Sloppy Lynx fall to Clark-less Fever in Commissioner's Cup title game

With $500K on the line on Tuesday night, the Minnesota Lynx played easily their worst game of the season thus far. They shot just 35 percent from the field and turned it over 16 times in a 74-59 loss to the Caitlin Clark-less Indiana Fever in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup championship game at Target Center.

The Lynx were looking to defend their crown in the league's mid-season event, which they won last year by defeating the New York Liberty. But after a strong first quarter, the Lynx were a mess on offense for the remainder of the night as the Fever pulled away. Minnesota's 59 points was a season-low and well below their average of 85.3.

MVP favorite Napheesa Collier was held to 12 points on 6 of 18 shooting, turning it over five times. It was an uncharacteristic night for arguably the best player in the WNBA, who is typically known for her consistency and efficiency.

It was also a rough outing for Lynx point guard Courtney Williams (11 points on 14 shots, six turnovers) and sharpshooter Kayla McBride (1 for 7 from the field with no threes). Alanna Smith led the Lynx with 15 points and Jessica Shepard played well off the bench, but it wasn't enough to overcome off nights from each of Minnesota's top three scorers.

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Five Indiana players scored in double figures, led by Natasha Howard's 16 points. Howard and Aliyah Boston had double-doubles. The Fever shot 43 percent from the field, hit eight three-pointers, and out-rebounded the Lynx by 10.

One quarter into the game, it looked like the Lynx were on track to win back-to-back Commissioner's Cup trophies and receive the prize money that goes to the champions. They made nine of their first 15 shots and led 20-12 after the first.

But it all fell apart from there. They were outscored 20-7 in the second quarter, 20-15 in the third, and 22-17 in the fourth (62-39 in total).

If it's any consolation to the Lynx, the game and its statistics don't count towards the regular season totals. So they remain a WNBA-best 14-2 on the season, and the Fever are still 8-8. Nonetheless, this one will sting for the Lynx, who missed out on a chance to celebrate on their home court.

The Lynx will look to bounce back as regular season action resumes on Thursday night. They'll play three games in a four-day stretch in Minneapolis against the Wizards, Valkyries, and Sky.