The Indiana Fever are back in action for the 2025 season.
In their preseason opener on May 3, the Fever outlasted the Washington Mystics in a thrilling 79-74 overtime victory. With Caitlin Clark sidelined due to a left leg injury, the spotlight fell on other Fever players to step up, and Sophie Cunningham did just that.
The guard-forward combo had an impressive Fever debut, putting up 21 points, eight rebounds, and two assists on 6-of-11 shooting in 34 minutes. Alongside Lexie Hull’s steady 13-point performance, Cunningham helped rally the Fever from an early deficit and secure the win in extra time.
However, the win didn’t come easily, and Cunningham knows it.
Sophie Cunningham Admits Her Major Weakness after Indiana Fever Debut
In a post-game interview after the first preseason game, Cunningham opened up about the physicality she endured.
“I’m not surprised. DB was my vet when I got drafted out to Phoenix. She’s not a fighter, but she’s not scared to get with it. And yeah, kind of random thrown into the ground. I might need to try and hit the weight room; that was not good. She had my back. And I think that’s what it’s all about.”
“We have a huge target on our backs, I don’t think that’s a secret. So, making sure our locker room is like this and that’ll naturally flow out onto the court, and I think you guys saw that today,” said Cunningham during the interview.
sophie on the heated moments in today’s game:
“i might need to try and hit the weight room… that was not good 😂 but [dewanna bonner] had my back and that’s what it’s all about. we have a huge target on our backs, i don’t think that’s a secret.” pic.twitter.com/0ONtBNYo35
— cc akgae (@clrkszn) May 3, 2025
The Mystics came out aggressive, especially in the first quarter, pushing the Fever around and building an 11-point lead by the end of the opening frame. The rough play didn’t go unnoticed. Cunningham was also affected by the defensive pressure from Mystics players Kiki Iriafen and Brittney Sykes, who made her work for every possession.
It wasn’t all bruises and hard screens, though. Fever player DeWanna Bonner was a constant presence by Cunningham’s side, stepping in when things got chippy and offering guidance on how to navigate the bumps and elbows.
Despite the rough start, Indiana found their rhythm midway through the game. In the extra period, the Fever maintained composure and closed out with a five-point lead, showing resilience and depth even in Clark’s absence.
Cunningham’s performance proved she can contribute right away, but her admission also highlights just how demanding this new chapter with the Fever will be.
Cunningham’s Message to the Fans After the Game
On January 31, 2025, a major four-team trade reshaped several WNBA rosters, involving the Phoenix Mercury, Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun, and Indiana Fever. As part of that deal, sharpshooting guard Cunningham found herself heading to Indiana.
In her debut game with the Fever, Cunningham faced some struggles. Despite the hurdles, she remained composed and focused. During a post-game interview, when asked how it felt to play in front of Indiana’s lively home crowd, Cunningham’s face lit up.
“You know, at the end of the day, it is an entertainment-based business. I know a lot of people pay a lot of money to come and watch us play, and so we want them to have fun,” Cunningham said during the interview.
Last season with Phoenix, Cunningham averaged 8.4 points per game. With Indiana looking to rise in the standings this year, fans and coaches alike hope she’ll elevate her performance even further and become a key contributor to the Fever’s success.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
