During their highly anticipated preseason debut, the Indiana Fever looked down and out early on, trailing by double digits with their rookie star sidelined and doubts creeping in.
Then Sophie Cunningham ignited the bench with a fearless 21-point eruption, slicing through defenses with her mid-range stroke and drilling clutch free throws in overtime. Let’s dive into the stunning performance and what fans are saying.
Sophie Cunningham Impresses in Electric Debut for Indiana Fever
Cunningham exploded for 21 points, snagged eight rebounds and dished two assists in 34 minutes off the bench, shooting 6-for-11 from the field to spark a furious second-half comeback. In a game where the Fever shot just 30.3% overall, Cunningham’s aggressive drives and seven free-throw attempts kept Indiana within striking distance.
Head coach Stephanie White lauded Cunningham’s tenacity, calling her “a dawg” for the toughness and poise she displayed late in close quarters. That praise echoes a growing chorus around Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where fans and teammates recognized her as the X-factor of the night.
It wasn’t just an individual effort. Lexie Hull had come up with a balanced performance of her own, scoring 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Both Cunningham and Hull had 34 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and five steals between them while displaying the full potential and remarkable teamwork that the two guards have that could become the trademark of Indiana’s season.
Fever Fan Frenzy: The Roar from the Stands
The Indiana Fever’s newest star lit up Gainbridge Fieldhouse in her home debut, igniting a firestorm of fan reactions. Supporters couldn’t get enough of her energy and impact in the thrilling victory.
One fan shared their enthusiasm, saying: “I love her. Serious fire. Real personality. I was hoping she’d end up on the Fever way back when she had CC’s back when people were targeting her. Great to see her in Indy.” They’ve been a fan of Sophie Cunningham’s intensity and charisma for a long time, recalling how she supported Caitlin Clark during challenging moments, and now feel elated watching her shine in Indianapolis with 21 points and 8 rebounds in her home debut.
I love her. Serious fire. Real personality. I was hoping she’d end up on the Fever way back when she had CC’s back when people were targeting her. Great to see her in Indy.
— Red One (@RuaUaRi) May 3, 2025
Another supporter urged the team, stating, “Please sign long term deal with Indiana. I’m wanting an 8 22 jersey.” They’re eager for Sophie to commit to the Fever for the long haul and expressed excitement about getting a jersey that pairs her number 8 with Caitlin Clark’s number 22, envisioning them as a powerhouse duo for the team’s future.
In response to a joint post showcasing Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull’s scores from the game, a fan exclaimed, “The Bash Sisters!” They were impressed by the duo’s synergy on the court.
The Bash Sisters!
— Cordell Schroeder (@CordellSchroed3) May 4, 2025
Another fan playfully remarked, “take that Caitlin Clark, they can tan AND play basketball!” They were referencing Clark’s earlier humorous comment on Sophie and Lexie’s photoshoot, where she teased them about tanning instead of focusing on basketball.
This fan enjoyed seeing the pair prove they can excel in both areas, balancing their off-court flair with a strong performance in the Fever’s preseason win.
The Fever will begin their regular season with a clash against Chicago Sky on Saturday, May 17.
I’m not happy the Mercury traded Sophie. She was the only reason I watched pregame halftime or post game during Suns broadcast. She is the fun all American girl next door. Indiana is lucky to have her.