She had one word.
Sophie Cunningham Left in Disbelief by Fever Teammate's Big Moment originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Indiana Fever pulled off a crucial win on Thursday night as they defeated the Las Vegas Aces in a home game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 80-70. This ended Indiana’s two-game losing streak after back-to-back defeats against the defending champs, the New York Liberty.
Caitlin Clark sat out again on Thursday, missing her third consecutive contest due to a re-aggravated groin injury. Several players on the team stepped up in her stead, including the 23-year-old’s replacement in the starting lineup, Aari McDonald.
Aari McDonald Delivers in the Clutch for the Fever
McDonald, who registered nine points, four assists and three triples in the win, came up big in crunch time for the Fever, knocking down a 3-pointer with 33.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. That put Indiana up 78-70 and virtually ended any hope for a potential Aces comeback.
The Fever took to Instagram shortly after the game to flex McDonald’s big moment.
“Aari McDonald hit the dagger 🗣️” the team posted on Instagram.
Sophie Cunningham Reacts to McDonald's Big Shot
The post drew all sorts of reactions from Fever fans on social media as they expressed their excitement over McDonald’s clutch heroics. The same was the case for Indiana star Sophie Cunningham, who had one word to describe McDonald’s big shot.
“UNREAL,” Cunningham wrote.
It was Cunningham who was the first teammate to celebrate with McDonald on the court after the step-back triple. Based on her reaction afterward, it is clear that she was still in disbelief at McDonald’s big-time play.
Cunningham Keeps Her Hot Streak Going
Cunningham wasn’t bad in this one either, finishing with 15 points on 4-of-5 shooting, to go along with three rebounds, a steal and three triples in her third consecutive start for the Fever.
The 6-foot-1 guard has scored in double digits in six straight games, while also knocking down 18-of-31 triples during that stretch.
Cunningham will look to keep her foot on the gas when the Fever return to action on Sunday in a rivalry clash against the Chicago Sky at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
Related: Caitlin Clark Had to Be Held Back by Fever Coach During Intense Moment Against Aces
Related: Sophie Cunningham, Lexie Hull React to Exciting Indiana Fever News
Related: Sophie Cunningham Steals the Spotlight With Her Eye-Catching Outfit for Fever-Aces Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
