Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell combine for big nights as Fever fall short against Liberty

Supporters gathered outside the Indiana Fever game in Portland on Friday night were met with counterprotesters as Sophie Cunningham's comments on trans athletes continue to take over the WNBA.

New York had to earn this one down the stretch.

Two-time WNBA Finals MVP Breanna Stewart scored 22 points and Leonie Fiebich made an immediate impact in her first game since July 3, adding 20 as the Liberty held off the Indiana Fever 109-102 on Saturday night. Jonquel Jones chipped in 19 points and 10 rebounds for New York, which improved to 23-15.

The game was tied at 100 before Stewart split a pair of free throws to put the Liberty in front. After an Indiana miss, Fiebich converted a basket through contact with 57.5 seconds remaining, though she missed the ensuing free throw.

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Caitlin Clark had a chance to answer on the other end, but her driving layup would not fall, and Fiebich came down with the rebound. Astier then drew a foul with less than 30 seconds remaining and sank both free throws to give New York a five-point cushion.

Sabrina Ionescu (20) of the New York Liberty dribbles the ball against the Indiana Fever on Aug. 22, 2026, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. (NBAE via Getty Images)

Both teams knew how important this game was, with playoff positioning at stake and the standings tight from third through eighth place. New York led by four at the half, and then Sabrina Ionescu and Fiebich got going. The pair combined for 19 of the Liberty’s 31 points in the period as New York extended its lead to 85-78 heading into the fourth.

Indiana Fever forward Makayla Timpson (21) drives to the basket against the New York Liberty on Aug. 22, 2026, at