In a WNBA season dominated by headline-makers like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, A’ja Wilson, and Paige Bueckers, one name has quietly—and emphatically—forced her way into the conversation: Sophie Cunningham. After enduring widespread criticism and skepticism over her trade to the Indiana Fever, Cunningham has not only silenced her doubters—she’s made it crystal clear that the Fever saw something others refused to.

When the Fever acquired Cunningham, social media erupted with backlash. Critics pointed to her inconsistent shooting percentages and questioned the logic of trading assets for what they saw as a “mediocre” player. Many argued the Fever gave up too much, especially considering the deal involved Nyara Sabally and the potential to draft K.K. Deans without giving up additional pieces. The prevailing question was: Why Sophie?

But hindsight is 20/20—and Sophie Cunningham is making a lot of people eat their words.

A Streak That Demands Respect

Over her recent stretch, Cunningham has delivered six straight double-digit scoring games, each with a striking level of efficiency:

15 points on 5 shots
15 points on 8 shots
12 points on 12 shots
11 points on 6 shots

This isn’t just good shooting—it’s elite-level efficiency. She’s found a rhythm that many didn’t think she had, knocking down key shots while playing within the team’s structure. It’s not just that she’s scoring, it’s how she’s doing it: smart, selective, and precise.

Defensive Brilliance That Doesn’t Show Up in Stats

Offense isn’t the only reason Sophie deserves more love. Her defensive presence has been exceptional, and while it might not be reflected in traditional box scores, it’s evident to anyone watching closely. Her ability to switch onto multiple positions and lock down opposing guards—especially in recent matchups—has been compared, perhaps jokingly, to violating the Geneva Convention due to how disruptive she’s been on defense.

For example, in a game against the Las Vegas Aces, Cunningham’s defensive performance was cited as one of the best seen from a Fever player in years. That’s no small compliment in a league filled with elite two-way talent.

A Glue Player With Versatility

While Sophie Cunningham may not be the flashiest player on the court, she represents the glue that holds teams together. She’s versatile, capable of defending 1 through 4, hitting open threes, and making smart cuts without the ball. She’s even been trusted with ball-handling duties in crunch time—proving she can be a secondary playmaker when needed.

The Indiana Fever, who have struggled with roster depth and consistent role-player performance, have found in Cunningham the kind of plug-and-play utility weapon that playoff-bound teams crave.

A Changing Narrative in Indiana

The Fever’s season has been a rollercoaster. With Caitlin Clark in and out of the lineup, the team has gone 8-5 with Clark and 5-7 without her—respectable given the youth of the roster. However, what’s most notable is how role players like Cunningham have stepped up during Clark’s absences, keeping the team competitive and even defeating top-tier teams like the Aces without their superstar.

Cunningham has become an X-factor, especially with the offensive inconsistency of other rotation players. Her emergence has made it clear that she’s not just filling minutes—she’s making a meaningful impact on both ends of the floor.

Looking Forward: Cunningham as a Cornerstone?

It’s time for the narrative around Sophie Cunningham to shift. While it’s fair to say the trade was a gamble, it’s equally fair now to admit it paid off. Her performance has made her one of the few players that Fever fans and analysts agree should be kept at all costs alongside Caitlin Clark, Aaliyah Boston, and Lexie Hull.

In the offseason, the Fever will have to make decisions about players like Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Howard. But one thing seems clear: Sophie Cunningham belongs. She’s proven to be a reliable, tough, and intelligent contributor who can adapt to any role the team needs.

The Bottom Line: Time to Give Credit Where It’s Due

Sophie Cunningham has been nothing short of a revelation for the Indiana Fever. She’s efficient, tough, and exactly the kind of team-first player championship contenders rely on.