Fever pitch in the TD Garden

Banner Sports Sponsored by the Patriots Foundation

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, TD Garden was more than just the home of the Celtics and Bruins; it became the epicenter of women’s professional basketball. The Indiana Fever took down the Connecticut Sun, 85–77, in a sold-out game that electrified the city.

The Fever-Sun matchup wasn’t just another game on the WNBA schedule; it was a cultural moment in front of a sold-out crowd at TD Garden. With 19,156 fans in the stands, basketball fans witnessed one of the highest-attended WNBA games this season.

And while the play on the court was thrilling, the bigger story was the city’s response. Boston showed up, loud and proud, to support women’s basketball. The TD Garden holds 19,000-plus fans, more than double the size of the Mohegan Sun facility.

Boston is no stranger to championship basketball. With a rich history of Celtics titles and a strong NCAA presence in the region, it has the infrastructure, fan base and culture to support a professional women’s team.

Participants flooded the Garden hours before tip-off. Jerseys of WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Tina Charles covered the arena. Children held signs that read, “WNBA in Boston Now!” while longtime fans expressed frustration that Boston, the home of the most storied franchise in NBA history, still lacks its WNBA counterpart.

Support extended beyond the fans. Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown, among others, attended the game. Community organizations hosted pregame events, and the media coverage stretched nationally. The message was clear: Boston is ready for a WNBA team.

One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Indiana Fever star Aaliyah Boston was honored at center court. The WNBA star recently became part of the new NWSL team, Boston Legacy FC investor group.

However, no WNBA player draws more attention nationally than Caitlin Clark. The Sophomore phenom, who has broken numerous scoring records, made her initial appearance in Boston. The crowd roared during warmups and erupted when she drained her only three of the game.

Clark was solid through much of the game, tallying 14 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Yet, it was her final minute on the court that stole headlines. After a non-contact play late in the fourth quarter, Clark reached for her left groin and fell to the court. Grimacing in pain, she tried to walk it off but ultimately left the floor with assistance, covering her face with a towel in disappointment and frustration.

Clark has sustained her second groin-related injury in less than a month. She had previously missed time in late June with a left groin strain and also dealt with a quad injury earlier in the season. As a result, Clark sat out Indiana’s following game against the New York Liberty.

On the court, the Fever showed resilience and balance. Kelsey Mitchell led all scorers with 20 points. Natasha Howard was dominant in the paint, finishing with 18 points and 13 rebounds on an efficient 73% shooting night.

The Sun, led by veteran Tina Charles, who recorded 21 points and 11 rebounds, kept the game competitive. The physical nature of the game also drew attention. Sophie Cunningham took an uncalled elbow to the head in the third quarter, further fueling the game’s intensity. Replays sparked social media debates about player safety and consistency in officiating in the WNBA.

Boston is a basketball city, offering numerous sponsorship opportunities. The WNBA has announced plans to expand by three teams by 2030. Boston is not on the shortlist, but is making its case for a franchise.

For Indiana, the win improves their record and strengthens their playoff push. But the immediate concern is Clark’s health. The team has already seen the impact of her absence earlier in the season. A prolonged recovery could derail momentum.

The league has benefited enormously from her popularity, but that spotlight comes with pressure. Ensuring she has time and space to heal is essential not just for the Fever, but for the WNBA’s overall growth.

Parents and children alike walked away feeling inspired. Moments like these are what make sports powerful, and why having a local team to foster that connection is invaluable.

Boston is ready to cheer, prepared to support, and ready to belong to the WNBA.

For Caitlin Clark, it was a bittersweet debut. For the league, it was a reminder that the future is bright, but only if it continues to invest in the places and people that believe in the game. If the WNBA is truly about growth, representation, and excellence, then Boston isn’t just a candidate for expansion — it’s a necessity for growth.