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Indiana Fever Make Unexpected Roster Decision Despite Blowout Loss

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 9:06 PM ET

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has been unable to stay healthy over the course of the 2025 WNBA season, still recovering from her second groin injury this year.

On Tuesday, Clark missed her 12th game of the season as the Fever battled Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty in Brooklyn.

Before the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend, Indiana suffered its 11th loss of the season in a 98–77 defeat to the same Liberty team. With Clark out, the Fever turned to her usual replacement, Aari McDonald, who had earned the starting spot earlier in the year.

But coach Stephanie White made another surprise move that night, starting Sophie Cunningham for the first time in place of Lexie Hull. Both began the season coming off the bench, but Hull had earned 18 starts following her strong play and DeWanna Bonner’s departure.

Cunningham had a strong outing despite Wednesday's 21-point loss to the defending champs. The former Phoenix Mercury guard tallied 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting and four rebounds.

Instead of adjusting the lineup for Tuesday's rematch, White elected to keep things the same. Along with McDonald and Cunningham, the Fever started Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Howard, all of whom have become full time starters themselves.

first 5️⃣ in NY. pic.twitter.com/FXBOe3utJE
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) July 22, 2025

Prior to Tuesday, both Cunningham and Hull have had similar impacts for Indiana. Cunningham was averaging 6.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game, while Hull tallied 7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 steals. Both have also proven capable from beyond the arc.

Following the Liberty rematch, the Fever will be back in action on Thursday, hosting the Las Vegas Aces.

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

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