Injuries have stripped the Indiana Fever of the season, which would have marked their return to the top of the WNBA. While Caitlin Clark has been absent for most of the season, the team pushed itself into a Playoff spot despite the circumstances.
August was expected to be when Fever regained strength and headed full steam into the Playoffs. However, August has turned tragic due to season-ending injuries to Aari McDonald, Sydney Colson, and Sophie Cunningham, who was injured just a couple of nights ago.
Although Cunningham’s performances have helped put the Fever into a postseason spot, she will play no further role in the season. Something Cunningham had a hard time digesting.
Why Did Sophie Cunningham Run After Her MCL Tear?
As Cunningham released yet another episode of her podcast “Show Me Something,” she shared an incident from the night of her MCL tear, showcasing the plight and passion of professional athletes.
“I can walk[now]. I actually, you know what? I tried to kind of right when it[injury] happened. I went into the locker room when like the docs were checking it out and then I went back to shower just so I could be clean and then do rehab or treatment,” said Cunningham. “And I was like, you know what? Maybe I’m not that hurt, and I tried kind of running a little bit and I almost ate sh-t in the shower by myself because my knee was just like bleh.”
Although Cunningham joked about the incident, the Fever guard’s attempt at running despite the MCL tear is a testament to the competitiveness and character she has displayed all season long.
Cunningham’s injury resulted from a collision with Connecticut Sun’s Bria Hartley in the second quarter of their August 17 game. The Fever guard immediately went down, clutching her knee as she cried out in pain. And the sight of her being helped off the court struck fear in Fever hearts, who are now severely understaffed.
Although the Fever have signed replacements for all three players on their injury list (assuming Clark’s imminent return is not further delayed), the team now features only seven players who started the season in Indiana.
While DeWanna Bonner moved to the Phoenix Mercury in July, Indiana’s injuries will keep three players sidelined for the season. Although Clark is expected to return this week, she will be joining a team that is very different from the one she left.
Indiana stands at a crucial juncture in their season. With the postseason edging ever closer, Head Coach Stephanie White will face an uphill battle as she continues navigating a season plagued by injury.
