Sophie Cunningham has undoubtedly become one of the standout faces of the WNBA following her successful run with the Indiana Fever. Before teaming up with Caitlin Clark, she was a member of the Phoenix Mercury, where she shared the court with both Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner.
Now retired, Taurasi is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Griner, meanwhile, is showing exactly why her current team, the Atlanta Dream, has become one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
For these reasons — among many others — Cunningham didn’t hesitate to tell the media that both players should be considered Hall of Famers.
“They’re such great people,” Fever’s key player told Aya Abdeen of Ball Is Life regarding Griner and Taurasi. “They’re hall of famers in our league.”
Sophie Cunningham #9, Diana Taurasi #3, Brittney Griner #42 and Moriah Jefferson #8 of the Phoenix Mercury walk onto the court during the second half of the WNBA game at Footprint Center on May 21, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The three players were once key pillars for the Mercury, but their paths eventually took different directions. Taurasi, a WNBA legend, is now retired. Cunningham is shining with the Fever, while Griner is thriving in her current role with the Dream.
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The lasting impact of this trio in Phoenix
The trio of Sophie Cunningham, Diana Taurasi, and Brittney Griner left an indelible mark on the Phoenix basketball landscape. Taurasi, a living legend and the GOAT of the WNBA, cemented the franchise’s legacy with her offensive prowess, leading the Mercury to multiple championships.
Griner, the dominant center, joined her to form one of the league’s most lethal duos, providing unmatched defensive force and a commanding presence in the paint. Cunningham, a local who became a key role player, endeared herself to Phoenix fans with her grit and clutch shooting, playing a crucial role in team chemistry and proving to be one of the league’s best three-point shooters.
Together, they not only racked up wins and accolades but also defined an era of Mercury basketball, leaving a legacy that echoes long after their shared time on the court.
