In a moment that perfectly encapsulated the growing camaraderie between Indianapolis’s professional basketball franchises, Tyrese Haliburton, the star point guard for the Indiana Pacers, expressed immense joy and excitement for the Indiana Fever following their historic victory in the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. His public reaction, coming amidst his own challenging recovery from a significant injury, highlighted the deep connection he shares with the Fever, particularly with his close friend and fellow superstar, Caitlin Clark, and underscored a shared sense of pride for the city’s burgeoning basketball success.
The Indiana Fever, defying expectations and battling through injuries, clinched their first-ever Commissioner’s Cup title on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. They achieved this impressive feat by defeating the reigning Cup champions, the Minnesota Lynx, with a convincing 74-59 upset victory on the road. The win was made even more remarkable by the fact that the Fever accomplished it without their generational talent, Caitlin Clark, who was sidelined for her third consecutive game due to a lingering groin injury.
Despite Clark’s absence, the Fever showcased their depth, resilience, and improved defensive prowess. Forward Natasha Howard led the charge with a standout performance, recording a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double, which earned her unanimous MVP honors for the championship game. The Fever’s victory was a collective effort, with five players scoring in double figures (Howard, Aliyah Boston with 12 points and 11 rebounds, Sophie Cunningham with 13 off the bench, and both Aari McDonald and Kelsey Mitchell chipping in 12 apiece). They held the Lynx to their lowest point total of the season and stifled their offense throughout the game, particularly in an 18-0 run in the second quarter that shifted the momentum decisively.
For the Fever, this Commissioner’s Cup win represents a significant milestone. It’s the franchise’s first piece of hardware since winning the WNBA Championship in 2012. Beyond the prestige of the title, the team also split a substantial $500,000 prize pool, with individual players on the championship roster receiving a significant bonus. More importantly, the victory injects a massive dose of confidence and momentum into an Indiana team that has, despite its current 8-8 record, battled inconsistency and injuries throughout the 2025 season. As head coach Stephanie White aptly stated after the game, “We have a resilient group…They’re tough, mentally and physically, they pull for one another. I’m just really proud.”
Tyrese Haliburton, who has become a vocal supporter and close friend of Caitlin Clark and the Fever, was clearly elated by their triumph. The Pacers star had been largely silent on social media since suffering a devastating torn Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 22, 2025, an injury that is expected to sideline him for the entire 2025-26 NBA season.
However, the Fever’s victory prompted Haliburton to break his social media silence and share his excitement. On Tuesday night, he took to social media, posting a short and sweet, yet incredibly impactful message: “LFG @IndianaFever 🏆”. This concise “Let’s F***ing Go!” accompanied by a trophy emoji, tagging the Fever’s official account, immediately resonated with fans and underlined his genuine enthusiasm. During the Fever’s post-game celebrations, Haliburton reportedly also commented on the livestream, with phrases like “BOW BOW BOW” and a playful “Jade said Miss You,” referencing his girlfriend, Jade Jones, who shares a group chat with Haliburton, Clark, and Clark’s boyfriend, Connor McCaffery.
Haliburton’s reaction is more than just a passing acknowledgment from a local athlete. It underscores the unique and deepening bond between the Pacers and the Fever, two franchises that share Gainbridge Fieldhouse and are now both front and center in the basketball world. Their respective star players, Haliburton and Clark, have forged a close friendship, often seen supporting each other at games. This mutual respect and camaraderie at the top level filter down through the organizations and are embraced by the fanbases, turning Indianapolis into a true “basketball city” where success for one team is celebrated by the other.
As CBSSports.com highlighted, Haliburton and Clark’s shared abilities, experiences, and expectations for themselves and their teams have not only forged a real friendship but also helped their games grow. They frequently discuss basketball in their group chat, and both teams emphasize fast-paced play and exceptional outlet passing. Haliburton’s past comments, like calling the Fever “rock stars” and a “big part of the growth behind that league,” show his genuine belief in the WNBA’s trajectory and the Fever’s role within it.
For Indianapolis, a city that has faced its own share of recent basketball heartbreak with Haliburton’s severe injury ending the Pacers’ promising NBA Finals run, the Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup victory provided a much-needed jolt of celebration. While it’s not a WNBA Championship, it’s a significant trophy and a testament to the team’s grit. Haliburton, despite his personal setback, clearly found joy in seeing his peers and friends achieve success. His immediate and enthusiastic reaction served as a powerful sign of support for the Fever and the city that he now calls home.
The Fever’s Commissioner’s Cup win, coming on the heels of such a significant injury to the Pacers’ cornerstone player, offered a welcome distraction and a reason for the city’s passionate basketball community to cheer. It highlights the growing synergy between the two teams and the shared journey of their star players, further cementing Indianapolis’s status as a vibrant hub for professional basketball. Tyrese Haliburton’s “LFG” was more than just three letters; it was a heartfelt shout-out, a shared triumph, and a reaffirmation of the powerful connection that binds these athletes and their city.
