The Indiana Fever suffered a tough 98-77 defeat to the defending WNBA champion New York Liberty on July 16, thus bringing the Fever's record to 12-11 leading in

Sophie Cunningham, who replaces Lexie Hull in the starting lineup, scores 12. Caitlin Clark, who suffered a groin injury one night earlier, doesn't play. Her status for All-Star weekend is uncertain.

Paige Bueckers backed her teammate after Arike Ogunbowale struggled in her return, offering a contrast to her coach’s more critical tone.