Fever’s Sophie Cunningham Shines in Preseason Game, Sends Strong Message to Caitlin Clark and Teammates After Confrontation vs. Mystics

The Indiana Fever’s 2025 season is off to an exciting start, thanks in no small part to the energetic performance of new guard Sophie Cunningham. In an exhibition game that offered a glimpse of what’s to come for the Fever, Cunningham’s strong performance helped lead her team to a comeback victory against the Washington Mystics, providing a promising preview of what she can bring to the squad this year.

Cunningham, who was traded to the Fever in a four-team deal earlier this year after six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, had an immediate impact in the preseason game, scoring 21 points in a thrilling 79-74 overtime win. Despite Caitlin Clark, the Fever’s high-profile star, being sidelined due to an injury, Cunningham stepped up and delivered an impressive all-around performance, shooting 6-of-11 from the field, pulling down eight rebounds, dishing out two assists, and contributing one steal.

A Star in the Making

Fever head coach Stephanie White didn’t mince words when discussing Cunningham’s impact on the court. Describing her as a “dawg,” White emphasized Cunningham’s toughness, versatility, and energy that elevated the entire team. “Oh my god. Sophie’s a dawg,” White said, adding, “She just is. She’s a competitor… Versatile, so she allows us to do different things. Like, she plays with such a toughness. You know, she’s huge, and she’s going to be for us all season long. But what she brings from an energy standpoint, she raises the level of play of everybody around her as soon as she gets on the floor.”

Cunningham’s passion and relentless drive were on full display in the preseason game. The energy she brought to Gainbridge Fieldhouse didn’t just fuel her own performance; it also electrified the crowd, making it clear how difficult it is to play against the Fever at home. “I’m an energy player… When you get this building popping, it’s really hard to play here,” Cunningham said post-game, adding that she thrives in high-energy environments like this one, where the crowd’s energy adds to the intensity of the game.

A Look Ahead: Team Chemistry and Building for the Future

The game against the Mystics showcased Cunningham’s potential and hinted at the exciting synergy she could develop with her new teammates, especially Caitlin Clark. While the two have yet to share the court together in full, Cunningham’s stellar performance without Clark underscores the depth of talent the Fever have at their disposal. With Clark sidelined, Cunningham’s leadership role was crucial, and her ability to step into the spotlight will certainly be a valuable asset once the Fever’s full roster is back in action.

Cunningham has consistently been one of the top shooting guards in the league over the past few seasons. Known for her sharpshooting and gritty defensive play, she provides the Fever with a dynamic player who can both score and energize the team on both ends of the floor. Her presence also gives the Fever the flexibility to experiment with different lineups and strategies, as her versatility adds another layer to their offensive and defensive schemes.

The Fever, who made the playoffs with a .500 record of 20-20 last season, are poised to build on that success in 2025. With the addition of Cunningham and the continued growth of rising stars like Caitlin Clark, the Fever are determined to improve their performance this year. Cunningham’s performance against the Mystics has given the team—and the fans—plenty of reasons to be optimistic about what lies ahead.

A Bright Future for the Fever

Cunningham’s high-energy style and leadership have quickly earned her a place in the hearts of Fever fans. As she continues to develop chemistry with her teammates, it’s clear that she will play a key role in helping the team compete at a higher level this season. The preseason game against the Mystics was just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey for the Fever, with Cunningham expected to be a cornerstone of the team’s success moving forward.

As the Fever look to improve on their playoff appearance from last season, Cunningham’s presence and leadership will be critical in their quest to achieve even greater success in 2025. With her versatile skill set, defensive toughness, and infectious energy, Sophie Cunningham is sure to make a significant impact on the Fever, and the team’s fans are eagerly awaiting what she’ll bring to the court once the regular season begins.

The future is bright for the Indiana Fever, and with Sophie Cunningham leading the charge, it’s clear that the team is well-positioned to make a run for the playoffs and beyond. As the Fever continue to build chemistry and add new pieces to the puzzle, Cunningham’s performance in the preseason gives fans a glimpse of the team’s potential—and the excitement that awaits them in the 2025 season.