The Indiana Fever made several moves this offseason to build a potential championship contender around youngsters Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. One of those moves was to essentially trade NaLyssa Smith, who was a lottery pick in 2022, and their 2025 first-round pick for Sophie Cunningham. That’s a lot to give up for a role player, but Cunningham wasted no time to prove the Fever made the right choice.
The Fever had to play their first preseason game without Caitlin Clark, who sat out with a minor leg injury. It was a close game against a young Washington Mystics team, but the Fever still got the win, led by Sophie Cunningham.
Cunningham finished the game with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal, playing a team-high 34 minutes. Those numbers look great, but Cunningham’s impact on the game goes beyond the box score. She brought incredible energy and competitiveness, even getting into it with Mystics players a few times. The Fever desperately needed someone who could bring that kind of energy to the court, and Cunningham delivered.
The fact that she played with so much energy and competitiveness in a preseason game was even more impressive. Preseason games are important because they provide a chance for new teammates to get used to each other and for coaches to implement new systems. Wins often don’t matter too much during preseason, especially for veterans whose spot on the team is already secure.
Nevertheless, Cunningham showed exactly why the Fever traded for her and quickly established what role she would play on this team. She looks ready to be the Fever’s energiser on both ends of the floor.
Cunningham will be a big part of the Fever’s success this season
Sophie Cunningham may not be one of the Fever’s big stars or even a full-time starter, but she will still be a crucial part of any success the Fever will have this season. First and foremost, Cunningham’s presence gives the Fever the kind of tough defender they lacked last season.
Moreover, Cunningham is incredibly versatile. She can play multiple positions and do a little bit of everything—space the floor, crash the boards, or handle the ball. She will be able to fill any role the Fever need her to take on.
Cunningham also has a lot of playoff experience compared to the Fever’s core. She played 15 playoff games over her career and was a rotational player during the Mercury’s finals run in 2021.
All of this makes Cunningham a valuable player to have around and she may end up being the Fever’s X-factor.