The Indiana Fever made history on July 1, capturing the 2025 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup with a 74-59 win over the Minnesota Lynx. The victory, which brought home a $500,000 prize, was especially impressive as the Fever played without star rookie Caitlin Clark, who missed her third straight game with a groin injury. While fans celebrated the team’s grit and determination, the night also took an unexpected turn during halftime when renowned acrobat Red Panda suffered a scary fall during her performance.
Red Panda’s Recovery Brings Relief After Scary Fall
According to an ESPN post on X, Red Panda, whose real name is Rong “Krystal” Niu, is determined to return to performing next season. Her agency confirmed that her recovery is expected to take a few months after her fall at halftime of the Commissioner’s Cup final.
Good news, basketball fans: Red Panda intends to be ready for next season.
Red Panda’s recovery should take a few months, her agency said the day after she fell off her unicycle and crashed to the court during halftime of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final.…
— ESPN (@espn) July 3, 2025
After the incident, ESPN reported that Niu spent 11 hours at a Minneapolis medical facility due to the extent of her injuries. She has amazed basketball fans for decades with her act, which features flipping and stacking metal bowls on her head while riding a tall unicycle. But during the Fever-Lynx halftime show, she lost her balance just seconds into her routine and fell hard to the court.
Niu immediately grabbed her wrist in pain as medical staff rushed to help. She first tried to walk off with assistance, but had to stop midway when a wheelchair was brought out. According to her team, the fall was caused by damage to the left pedal of her unicycle during transit, and she suffered a severe fracture to her left wrist at the same spot as a previous injury.
Lynx staff members Hilton and Greta stayed with her at the hospital through the night for her procedure.
“Thank you very much to all NBA, WNBA, Universities, media individuals, and her ever-supporting fans for your kindness and concern. Last night at Lynx/Fever, she took a fall at the very beginning of the show, due to left paddle of her unicycle was damaged during transit, her left wrist was severely fractured at the same spot for the 2nd time. She was at the hospital for 11 hours last night. Hilton and Greta, from Minnesota Lynx, stayed with her at the hospital the entire night for her procedure.”
“She is very grateful. She is on her way home now and the Doctors in Minneapolis have recommended that as soon as she gets home, she meet with an orthopedic surgeon for the 2nd part of repair. Red panda wants me to Thank all of you for the kind wishes and support, it means the world to her. She much appreciates from her heart the support she is receiving. We’ll keep you all posted,” read the statement released by Red Panda’s team to ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Social media quickly filled with messages wishing Niu a speedy recovery. Even Clark and the Fever took a moment after their Commissioner’s Cup win to send their best wishes to the beloved performer.
“Red Panda, we love you!”
CC and the Fever made sure to send well wishes to Red Panda after their Commissioner’s Cup win ❤️🙏
(via @SydJColson) pic.twitter.com/Pe3oKYv8d5
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 2, 2025
Meanwhile, on the court, the Fever showed impressive resilience. Indiana trailed by eight points at the end of the first quarter but tightened up defensively in the second, holding the Lynx to just seven points. By halftime, the Fever had taken a five-point lead and never looked back. In the fourth quarter, Indiana pulled ahead by as many as 14 points, ultimately securing a well-deserved victory.
While the night brought both celebration and concern, the news of Niu’s recovery has brought relief and hope to fans. The Fever’s win, combined with the outpouring of support for Red Panda, made July 1 a memorable night for basketball.
