In a thrilling WNBA matchup on Saturday, May 24, 2025, the Indiana Fever narrowly lost to the New York Liberty 90–88 in Indianapolis. The game concluded with a controversial no-call that left Fever players and coaching staff expressing frustration over the officiating.
The Final Moments
With the game tied and mere seconds remaining, Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s standout rookie, drove toward the basket for a potential game-winning shot. Defending her was Natasha Cloud of the Liberty, who made contact with Clark, knocking the ball loose. Despite Clark’s protests and visible frustration, no foul was called, and the Liberty secured the victory.
Coaching Staff’s Reaction
Fever head coach Stephanie White did not hold back in her criticism of the officiating. She described the treatment of her team as “disrespectful” and “egregious,” highlighting the lack of foul calls in critical moments. White also pointed to a significant free-throw disparity, with the Liberty attempting 32 free throws compared to the Fever’s 15. She expressed a desire for more consistent and fair officiating in future games.
Player Perspectives
Clark, visibly upset after the no-call, voiced her displeasure with the referees. She felt that the contact from Cloud was significant enough to warrant a foul, especially given the game’s importance. Despite the loss, Clark’s performance throughout the game showcased her potential and determination.
Liberty’s Comeback
The Liberty, trailing by 12 points in the fourth quarter, mounted a comeback led by Jonquel Jones, who scored 14 of her 26 points in the final period. Sabrina Ionescu added 23 points and sealed the game with two clutch free throws in the closing seconds. Cloud’s defensive play on Clark in the final moments was a pivotal factor in the Liberty’s victory.
Looking Ahead
The Fever, now 2–9 on the season, will need to regroup and focus on upcoming games. While the loss was disheartening, the team’s resilience and Clark’s leadership offer hope for future success. The Liberty, on the other hand, improved to 3–0, demonstrating their championship pedigree and ability to close out tight games.
