Owen Ziliak/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Fever Star Makes Strong Caitlin Clark, Diana Taurasi Statement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 2:49 PM ET

With Indiana Fever training camp now underway, a veteran voice offered a clear preview of the team’s direction.

Guard Sophie Cunningham, fresh off a season averaging 8.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.0 assists with the Phoenix Mercury in 2024, drew a direct line between rookie sensation Caitlin Clark and future Hall-of-Famer Diana Taurasi.

When asked whether playing alongside Taurasi primed her for Clark’s relentless playmaking, Cunningham observed that “the way she throws the ball is a lot how DT threw it. This is just the younger version of her, so she has a little more energy, a little more spunk.”

James Boyd of The Athletic shared the interaction on Tuesday via X.

#IndianaFever’s Sophie Cunningham on how playing with Diana Taurasi prepared her for Caitlin Clark:

“You play with the GOAT of our game, you’re gonna learn a lot. … The way that (CC) throws the ball is a lot how DT threw it. I think this is just the younger version of her …” pic.twitter.com/r86AJuzBca
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) April 29, 2025

Cunningham’s remarks underscore a strategic pivot to “positionless” basketball.

“You have to be ready for the ball, head on a swivel at all times,” she said, predicting that opponents will struggle when any of the five can initiate offense.

The Fever finished 20-20 in 2024, ranking third in scoring (85.0 points per game) but 11th in defense (87.7 ppg) and bowing out in the first round of the playoffs.

Indiana’s core of Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston showed offensive firepower, yet the team sought greater defensive consistency.

The additions of Cunningham alongside rookies Makayla Timpson, a three-time ACC All-Defensive player at Florida State, and Yvonne Ejim, a two-time WCC Defensive Player of the Year at Gonzaga, aim to help in that department.

Clark’s 2024 rookie campaign shattered franchise and league marks: 19.2 points and 8.4 assists per game, a single-game high of 19 assists, multiple triple-doubles and WNBA Rookie of the Year honors.

If Indiana can marry Clark's creativity with improved defense, they could emerge from their .500 plateau and become true contenders in the Eastern Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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