LOOK: Sophie Cunningham Adult Toy Scandal Sparks Awkward Laughter From Natasha Howard 1 Jul 27, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guards Sophie Cunningham (8) and Caitlin Clark (22)sign autographs before a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

'Dude, She’s A Genius': Sophie Cunningham Keeps Caitlin Clark’s Fans Drama Away From Cheryl Reeve Talk In Candid Confession

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Sabel Reyes | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 8:43 AM ET

Amid all the criticism Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve has been getting from Caitlin Clark’s fan base, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham isn’t shying away from showing her respect.

After back-to-back losses to the league-best Lynx on Friday and Sunday, Cunningham praised Reeve’s basketball mind, calling her one of the sharpest in the game—despite what others may think.

Clark’s fans have often been critical of Reeve, pointing to her past comments about the league’s attention on Clark, along with Clark’s omission from the 2024 Olympic roster, which Reeve coached. The backlash has been loud, but Cunningham wanted to make it clear she sees things differently.

On Tuesday’s episode of the Show Me Something podcast, she said:

“I know people have opinions about Cheryl … but dude, she’s a genius when it comes to freaking being head coach. … Everything. Like, how they have stacked the team and like, it’s a little bit old school, but that’s my type of vibe I think.”

She added:

“Like, they run a motion offense. Everyone on the floor can shoot, everyone cuts, everyone passes the ball and like the ball movement that they have is ridiculous.”

Aug 17, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) warms up before the start of the game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Lynx have been proving her point all season. They became the first team to clinch a playoff spot on August 12 and currently hold the league’s best record with only seven losses. The Las Vegas Aces joined them a few days later after edging out the Washington Mystics.

“She has everything in her bag”: Sophie Cunningham praises Napheesa Collier

Sophie Cunningham didn’t just stop at praising Reeve. She also gave high marks to Napheesa Collier, the Lynx star who has been putting together an MVP-caliber season.

“Napheesa is good. She’s probably the best player in our league,” Cunningham said. “She’s a hell of a player. She has everything in her bag. Defensive Player of the Year last year. She can guard one through five. And then, she can shoot the 3-ball. She’s long and she’s strong.”

Cunningham has faced Collier since their middle school days in St. Louis, and she knows firsthand what makes her so tough to stop. With Cunningham sidelined for the rest of the year, Collier poured in 32 points, nine rebounds, and two steals in Sunday’s 97-84 win over Indiana, showing exactly why she’s earned that respect.