Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham saw her season cut short by an MCL tear, sidelining her for the final stretch and the playoffs. This has her joining friend and teammate Caitlin Clark on the bench, cheering on the team during their playoff run, now facing the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
On a recent episode of the “Young Man and the Three” podcast, Cunningham discussed a variety of topics, including Clark and which WNBA players she would choose to take into battle with her.
Who Are the Players Sophie Cunningham Considers ‘Dogs’?
Cunningham thrives in the tough-enforcer role, similar to Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. On the podcast, she was asked to name the toughest players from a grit perspective. She replied: “That is a great, great question. I would definitely pick A’ja (Wilson), Phee (Napheesa Collier)…every team needs those dogs, both of those are dogs.”
Rounding out her list: “I’d probably go AT (Alyssa Thomas), she’s just tough, man. I kind of feel like I’d like Allisha Gray…she’s a silent assassin…she’s had a hell of a season. Another one I’d pick is Kelsey Mitchell. She’s just on a whole other planet right now. No one can stop her.”
It’s hard to argue with the players she named. A’ja Wilson is a record four-time MVP of the WNBA for the Aces, while Collier gave her a close run for the MVP with another stellar season. Thomas had a standout year for Phoenix, averaging 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. Gray led Atlanta to first place in the Eastern Conference, averaging 18.4 points per game before the Fever eliminated them in the playoffs.
Mitchell has been a revelation for the Fever, carrying their injury-plagued squad — with five players sidelined for the season, including Clark — to the semifinals largely on her own. “It’s been awesome to watch,” Cunningham said.
The five names Cunningham mentioned also happened to be the finalists for MVP, and their toughness reflects what they deliver on the floor.
As for Clark’s absence from the list, the two are close friends. In the same interview, Cunningham described Clark as: “So phenomenal, so elite at her craft. A generational talent.” Reflecting on their bond, she added: “She loves hard, she’s like one of my little cousins.”
It’s clear their friendship off the court is strong, and Cunningham deeply respects Clark’s elite talent. However, for this hypothetical “go to battle” lineup, Clark didn’t quite make the cut.
