It was a big change for Cunningham.
Fever Star Sophie Cunningham Speaks on 'Struggle' After Coach Stephanie White's Big Decision originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Indiana Fever have had to turn in a collective effort on all facets of the game amid Caitlin Clark’s injury absence. Tuesday will mark Clark's eighth consecutive game on the sidelines as she sits out Indiana’s road matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks due to a lingering groin injury.
One of the players who has been asked to play a much bigger role in Clark’s stead is Sophie Cunningham, and the veteran guard has stepped up to the plate.
Sophie Cunningham Inserted Into Starting Lineup
Fever head coach Stephanie White made a big decision by leaning on Cunningham during Clark’s injury spell. After coming off the bench in her first 17 games for Indiana, Cunningham got called to the starting lineup as Clark went out.
Cunningham has responded to the promotion excellently. In the last seven games as a starter, the 6-foot-1 guard has averaged 11.7 points on 56.3% shooting, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 30.7 minutes per game. She’s also knocking down 2.3 triples per contest on a 45.7% clip.
There’s no denying that Cunningham has played a pivotal role in the Fever’s current five-game winning streak, which they hope will extend to six on Tuesday.
Cunningham Opens Up on ‘Struggle’
Cunningham spoke to reporters ahead of the Sparks matchup, and she was asked about the adjustments she’s had to make as a starter. The 28-year-old responded honestly.
"I think that's the beauty of a season," she said. "Sometimes the struggle of you try to stay consistent in what you bring to the table and stay confident in that.
"Your role will change, but for me it's always my energy. It's always the dog. It's always being kind of the feisty, sassy player. And so whatever the team needs me to do on that given night, I'm going to do.”
Cunningham’s words land loudly, but more importantly, her performances on the court have proven that she has, indeed, answered the call for her team regardless of the role she’s been asked to play.
"As a starter, you have to set the tone early, right?” she continued. “When you're on the bench, you can kind of see where you can bring the energy, where you can kind of boost people. But you just have to be ready.
"It is my seventh season. I think I'm stepping into that. I know how the game goes. Whatever the team needs me, that's what I'm going to do."
The Fever will need Cunningham to keep her foot on the gas, especially with Clark still without a timetable for her return. There’s no denying that this squad is much more dangerous with the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year in the mix, but at the same time, Cunningham and Co. have proven that they can still thrive without their best player on the floor.
Related: Sophie Cunningham Had Words for Indiana Fever Teammate Who Shot 3-of-16 Against Storm
Related: Caitlin Clark Loses Spot in Fever Franchise History on Sunday
Related: Sophie Cunningham Switches It Up With Unusual Outfit for Fever-Storm Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
