The Indiana Fever’s already depleted roster absorbed another scare Sunday when guard Sophie Cunningham left the court with a knee injury during the second quarter against the Connecticut Sun.
During the game, Bria Hartley fell into Cunningham’s leg. The collision caused visible pain to the Fever’s guard, who clutched her knee before being helped to the locker room. The Fever soon announced that Cunningham would not return to the game.
Injury Update: Sophie Cunningham (right knee) will not return to today’s game at Connecticut.
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 17, 2025
Soon enough, the horrendous news spread like wildfire amongst the fans who flocked to social media, showing both frustration and support.
One wild comment stood out, reading, “Seems like she was targeted..”
“This is not sustainable!” one fan sighed.
Another fan posted, “Completely disgusted with the WNBA.”
“Hate this,” one fan complained, pointing to the Fever’s bad luck.
“Good grief,” said another, highlighting the season-long struggles.
For Cunningham, who’s averaging 8.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in her first season with Indiana, the timing couldn’t be worse. The Fever have already lost Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald for the season, while Caitlin Clark continues to fight through nagging quad and groin injuries.
The setback comes at a pivotal moment in Indiana’s campaign, with playoff hopes still hanging by a thread. Cunningham’s health will now be at the center of attention as the Fever try to push through one of the most trying stretches of their season.
Sophie Cunningham Praises Indiana Fever’s Teammate Caitlin Clark In Honest Admission
Caitlin Clark has already been hailed as one of basketball’s brightest stars, but for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, what truly separates the 23-year-old star from the rest of the league is her unbeatable drive behind the scenes.
Speaking on “The Right REED” Podcast, Cunningham praised Clark’s perfectionist approach to the game, even as the rookie navigates a season complicated by injuries.
“The way that she works out—she’s a perfectionist,” Cunningham said. “Like a lot of people in her position, not really knowing the league and having that experience, they wouldn’t be doing what she’s doing. But she’s invested.”
Clark’s dedication shows in her day-to-day routine. Cunningham pointed to the cultural phenomenon surrounding her teammate—one that feels bigger than basketball itself.
“When I tell you I’ve never seen anything like this, I don’t think a lot of people have,” Cunningham said. “The way that people follow her, the way that people are, no joke, obsessed with her and everything she does—it’s insane. She’s a different breed, man.”
Even while fighting through setbacks, Clark shows utmost strength. She’s helped lead the Fever back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016, filling arenas across the league and inspiring fans worldwide. And for Cunningham, that combination of unmatched work ethic and magnetic influence is what makes Clark stand apart in ways no box score ever could.
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