Sophie Cunningham has 3-word response to backlash originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Indiana Fever finally picked up their first home win of the 2026 season Sunday night, defeating the Seattle Storm 89-78 behind another huge performance from Caitlin Clark. But one of the most talked-about moments from the game surprisingly had nothing to do with Clark’s latest history-making stat line.
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Instead, social media became obsessed with Sophie Cunningham celebrating a blocked shot. The Fever guard went viral during the second quarter after blocking a shot from former Indiana star Mackenzie Holmes and reacting with an emotional celebration that immediately spread online. Indiana’s official X account later posted the clip with the caption, “nice block Soph 😉,” which only added more fuel to the conversation.
Some fans loved the energy. Others thought the celebration was over the top for a regular-season game.
Cunningham clearly was not too concerned about the criticism.
“LET ME LIVE!!!!”
That became the now-viral centerpiece of Cunningham’s response after she joked online that the last time she blocked a shot was “against my 2 year old niece.”
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Honestly, the response only made Fever fans love the moment even more.
Sophie Cunningham backed up the viral moment with a huge game
The funniest part about the backlash is that Cunningham actually played one of her best games since joining Indiana. The veteran guard finished with 17 points in 25 minutes off the bench while helping completely shift the energy of the game multiple times throughout the night. During a critical stretch in the third quarter with Clark resting, Cunningham knocked down a three-pointer, converted an and-one and helped Indiana extend the lead beyond 15 points.
The Fever desperately needed that production too. Indiana entered the game without Aliyah Boston, who missed the first game of her WNBA career because of a lower leg injury. That forced other players into larger offensive roles, and Cunningham answered immediately with physical defense, aggressive drives and nonstop energy.
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MORE: Sophie Cunningham’s pregame outfit stole the show before Fever’s first home win
Caitlin Clark and the Fever may finally be settling in
While Cunningham’s viral moment dominated social media conversation, Clark still quietly delivered another historic performance. The Fever star finished with 21 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as Indiana improved to 2-2 on the season. According to the AP, Clark now owns the most 20-point, 10-assist games in WNBA history with 12.
Kelsey Mitchell also added 17 points as Indiana finally earned its first home victory after dropping its first two games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. More importantly, the Fever looked far more balanced.
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The offense flowed smoothly. The defense held Seattle under 80 points. Indiana finally looked connected for long stretches instead of relying entirely on Clark to rescue possessions. And somehow, out of everything that happened Sunday night, Cunningham celebrating a blocked shot may still end up being the internet’s favorite moment.
