WNBA

Sophie Cunningham admits doing ‘dirty job’ to help Fever without her and Caitlin Clark for WNBA Playoffs

Stephanie White's Indiana Fever seek to make a big splash in the WNBA Playoffs without Caitlin Clark or Sophie Cunningham on the court.

Caitlin Clark #22 , Sophie Cunningham #8, and Assistant Coach Briann January of the Indiana Fever.
© Ian Maule/Getty ImagesCaitlin Clark #22 , Sophie Cunningham #8, and Assistant Coach Briann January of the Indiana Fever.

The Indiana Fever’s current status as one of the elite four semifinalists in the WNBA gains even more significance considering they reached this point in the competition without Caitlin Clark or Sophie Cunningham.

Although she can’t be on the court with her teammates, the former Mercury player knows she can still contribute significantly from the sidelines — even applying some pressure on the referees in her own way.

During a recent appearance on her podcast Show Me Something, Cunningham revealed how she tries to throw referees off their game by using certain comments throughout the matches.

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“Just having the voice and pouring confidence into people because at this point, everyone knows what the other team can do,” she said.

Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark #22 and Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever.

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I’m there to just talk some (expletive) to the refs, talk some (expletive) to the other team, really pour into my teammates. I want them to be confident because that’s when everyone’s at their best, and it’s just more fun.”

Caitlin Clark shows her value to the Indiana Fever despite injury absence in the WNBA Playoffs

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The Indiana Fever’s impressive campaign

The Indiana Fever’s unexpected playoff success is a testament to their incredible resilience, as the team has been forced to navigate a challenging season without two of their key players. Star Caitlin Clark and veteran guard Sophie Cunningham have both been out with season-ending injuries, leaving the team’s depth and grit to be tested.

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Despite losing two major contributors for extended periods, the Fever have come together to defy expectations, securing a playoff spot and advancing to the WNBA Semifinals. This impressive campaign has been defined by clutch performances from players like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, proving that even a roster facing major setbacks can achieve big things.

What’s next for the Fever?

With the goal of continuing their strong run in the Playoffs and advancing to the Finals, here are the upcoming challenges facing Stephanie White’s team:

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  • @ Michelob ULTRA Arena Las Vegas, September 23
  • Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indianapolis, September 26
  • Gainbridge Fieldhouse Indianapolis, September 28 (If necessary)
  • @ Michelob ULTRA Arena Las Vegas, September 30 (If necessary)
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