The Indiana Fever might be loaded with star power, but their postseason dreams could seriously hinge on one player who often comes off the bench: Sophie Cunningham. The Fever themselves highlighted her critical importance during the WNBA’s World Cup break, pointing to her “sharpshooting and energy off the bench.” They straight-up said her “reliability and availability has been central to the team’s success this season.” That’s the real talk right there, and it spells out exactly why she could be a playoff difference-maker.
She’s a Bucket, Off the Bench
Cunningham actually started the season in the lineup before Coach Stephanie White shifted her to a reserve role. Guess what? She didn’t miss a beat. Instead of letting that change her impact, the veteran guard just embraced it. She’s currently averaging 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. But here’s the kicker: she’s shooting a mind-blowing 43.4 percent from beyond the arc. That percentage ranks among the best in the entire league! She’s a certified floor spacer around stars like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, and that’s something every contender needs, especially when the games get tight.
Changing the Game in Shorter Bursts
Look, the Fever don’t need Cunningham to drop 30 every night in the playoffs. What they need is for her to change games in shorter, explosive bursts. Imagine her checking in, knocking down two quick 3-pointers, and completely altering how an opponent has to defend Indiana’s offense. Plus, her willingness to compete physically brings a different kind of edge to a roster that’s known more for its offensive firepower. This consistency has been especially clutch given all the injuries and lineup changes the Fever have dealt with this season. Coach White knows exactly what she’s getting when Cunningham hits the floor: effort, confidence, and someone willing to take that big shot.
The Fever are sitting pretty at 26-14 with just four regular-season games left. They’re back from the break facing the Toronto Tempo on September 17, then they’ll take on the Washington Mystics, and finish with two games against the Minnesota Lynx. Those games will lock down their final playoff seed. But the bigger picture, the real goal, is making a deep postseason run. Clark, Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell will absolutely lead that charge, but it’s Cunningham who could be the player who swings a close series, punishing defenses for focusing too much on the stars. The Fever’s message was loud and clear: her contributions have not gone unnoticed. And once the playoffs kick off, the entire league is about to get the same reminder.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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