Sophie Cunningham just delivered the performance Fever fans have been waiting for originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sophie Cunningham‘s arrival in Indiana generated plenty of excitement. The veteran guard brought toughness, leadership, three-point shooting and a personality that quickly made her a fan favorite. But through the first month of the season, Fever fans were still waiting for the type of breakout performance that could remind everyone exactly why Indiana wanted her in the first place.
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On Tuesday night, they got it.
With Caitlin Clark and the Fever looking to extend their winning streak against the Toronto Tempo, Cunningham turned in arguably her best performance in an Indiana uniform, helping power the Fever to a dominant 113-91 victory at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. And by the time the final buzzer sounded, social media was buzzing about more than just Indiana’s fourth consecutive win.
Sophie Cunningham catches fire against Toronto
The Fever offense was nearly unstoppable from the opening quarter. Indiana set a franchise record for points scored in a regulation game, finishing with 113 points while overwhelming Toronto on both ends of the floor.
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Kelsey Mitchell led the way offensively, but Cunningham provided one of the biggest sparks of the night. The veteran guard knocked down shots from all over the floor and provided the type of scoring punch Fever fans have been eager to see since she arrived in Indianapolis.
After recently returning from a right elbow injury, Cunningham looked completely healthy and completely comfortable. The result was a performance that quickly became one of the most talked-about storylines from the game.
Indiana’s offense is starting to look scary
The biggest takeaway from Tuesday’s victory may not have been the final score. It may have been how many different players contributed.
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For much of the season, opponents have focused heavily on slowing Caitlin Clark and forcing other Fever players to beat them. Recently, that strategy has become much more difficult.
Aliyah Boston continues to dominate inside. Kelsey Mitchell remains one of the league’s most explosive scorers. Clark controls the offense. And now Cunningham is finding her rhythm as well.
That’s a dangerous combination. The Fever have now won four consecutive games and are beginning to resemble the team many expected entering the season. Tuesday’s offensive explosion only reinforced that belief.
MORE: Caitlin Clark’s surprising drop in latest WNBA rankings has fans asking the same question
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The Fever might be finding their best version
For weeks, Indiana showed flashes of being one of the WNBA’s most talented teams. The consistency just wasn’t there. That appears to be changing.
The Fever have won four straight, continue climbing the standings and are suddenly playing with confidence on both ends of the floor. Their chemistry looks improved, their offense is flowing and role players are beginning to thrive alongside the team’s stars.
No player embodied that trend better than Cunningham on Tuesday. The veteran has always been capable of impacting games with her energy, shooting and intensity.
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Against Toronto, she showed exactly how valuable she can be when everything is clicking. And if this version of Cunningham sticks around, the Fever may become an even bigger problem for the rest of the WNBA.
