The Indiana Fever’s offense continues to rewrite the record books during the 2026 WNBA season.
But the ever-outspoken Sophie Cunningham believes the team’s biggest challenge lies at the other end of the floor.
Sophie Cunningham Says Fever Must Improve Defensively
Fresh off Indiana’s 105-95 victory over the Seattle Storm on Tuesday night, Cunningham admitted that while the Fever’s offense is firing on all cylinders, tightening up defensively will be the key to sustaining their success in the second half of the season.
Speaking on Wednesday’s “WNBA on USA” pregame show, Cunningham didn’t hesitate to identify Indiana’s primary concern.
“My biggest thing for us is our defense,” Cunningham said. “Too many people are scoring way, way too many points against us. That’s something we have to shore up on.
“We’ve been struggling all season with that. And so I think our second half of the season is definitely defensive-minded.”
“Yes offense is clicking… My biggest thing for us is our defense. Too many people are scoring way too many points against us.”
Sophie Cunningham on a defensive-minded second half of the season coming for the Fever ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/svugP7skjz
— USA Sports (@usasports) July 29, 2026
Indiana’s latest win showcased just how explosive its offense has become. Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell combined for 60 points as the Fever secured their fourth straight victory, improving to 18-10 on the season.
The team also eclipsed the 100-point mark for a league-record 12th time this season, further cementing its status as one of the WNBA’s premier offensive units.
However, Cunningham’s concern is backed by the numbers. While the Fever have routinely overwhelmed opponents with their scoring, they have also frequently found themselves in closely contested games.
Seattle, a bottom-dwelling team, still managed to score 95 points on Tuesday, underscoring Indiana’s inability to consistently slow opposing offenses.
The Fever own a defensive rating of 108.1, respectable but well behind the WNBA’s elite defensive teams. Their interior defense has been a particular area of concern. Opponents have repeatedly found success attacking the rim, putting added pressure on Indiana to win games with its offense.
Fortunately for the Fever, that offense has rarely looked better.
When asked about Indiana reaching the 100-point mark in four consecutive games, Cunningham credited both the team’s stars and its supporting cast for the recent offensive surge.
“You know, I just think that people are ready,” Cunningham said. “You have stars on your team with Aliyah Boston, with Caitlin Clark, with Kelsey Mitchell, and they’re going to score. They’re going to do their part.
“But it’s us role players that when the ball is getting to you, you need to be able to knock down your shots and do your thing as well. But yes, offense is clicking. I think it’s going to continue to click.”
If Indiana can pair its record-setting offense with the defensive improvements Cunningham is calling for, the Fever could emerge as one of the WNBA’s most complete teams heading into the postseason.
