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'That Was Pretty Big': Sophie Cunningham Shines As Aliyah Boston Praises Her 'Flawless' Play Amid Team Injury Crisis
Indiana Fever forward Damiris Dantas (12), Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) huddle up Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

With the Indiana Fever down several key players, Sophie Cunningham stepped up in a big way to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Already without Caitlin Clark due to a groin injury, the Fever took another hit Friday when it was announced that Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald would miss the rest of the season. That left coach Stephanie White to hand point guard duties to Cunningham for Saturday’s matchup with the Chicago Sky.

The shift was a big one for Cunningham, who had started the last nine games on the wing. Her adaptability didn’t go unnoticed by teammates.

“Have people play in different positions like point guard Soph,” Aliyah Boston told reporters before their Aug. 12 clash with Dallas. “I think that was just pretty big…”

Cunningham looked right at home in the role, dropping 16 points along with three boards, two assists, and a steal as Indiana rolled past Chicago, 92-70.

“That’s a big dub baby. Point God,” Cunningham said with a grin after the game.


Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) high-fives Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Her stint as floor general could be short-lived, though. With Odyssey Sims joining on a hardship contract to help cover injuries, Cunningham may shift back to her natural spot.

Sophie Cunningham puts playful twist on rival’s card

Following the win over Chicago, Sophie Cunningham took time to greet fans and sign autographs. One supporter handed her a Jacy Sheldon player card, sparking laughs from Cunningham and teammate Lexie Hull.


Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts to a call from the referee on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Dallas Wings defeated the Indiana Fever, 81-80.

The joke stemmed from their “Barbie Brawl” moment on June 17, when Cunningham yanked Sheldon to the floor in retaliation for a poke on Clark earlier in the game against the Connecticut Sun.

“Property of: Sophie Cunningham #8,” Cunningham wrote across Sheldon’s card — a cheeky nod to their on-court run-in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktKj9UrCCNY

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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