Sophie Cunningham DESTROYS Mystics BULLIES After ATTACK – Indiana Fever Win Without Caitlin Clark!
The Gainbridge Fieldhouse was buzzing with anticipation, but the news broke just before tip-off: Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s superstar rookie and the face of the franchise, would miss her first game in five years due to a nagging leg issue. The Washington Mystics, sensing a weakened opponent, came out aggressive and physical, intent on bullying a Fever team that had often been pushed around in seasons past. What they didn’t expect was the emergence of a new identity for Indiana—one built on toughness, unity, and the relentless fire of Sophie Cunningham.
The Fever stumbled out of the gate, quickly falling behind by 15 points as the Mystics asserted their dominance. Missed layups, stagnant offense, and a lack of energy painted a grim picture. But in the midst of this adversity, an unlikely hero stepped forward. Sophie Cunningham, acquired in a four-team trade during the offseason, was already making her presence felt. Then, as the second quarter ticked down, the game’s tone changed dramatically. Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen delivered a flagrant, wrestling-style body slam to Cunningham while battling for a rebound—a move that electrified the crowd and sent a message that the Mystics intended to intimidate.
Cunningham’s response was pure fire. She sprang to her feet, got in Iriafen’s face, and let her know that she wouldn’t be bullied. The referees assessed a flagrant foul, but the real impact was on the Fever’s spirit. Instead of shrinking, Indiana rallied. Lexie Hull, coming off the bench, added four steals and 13 points, bringing energy and hustle that the team desperately needed. Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner immediately confronted Mystics players after another hard foul on Cunningham, showing the new protective culture that’s developing within this Fever roster.
The Mystics continued their physical tactics, with Brittney Sykes shoving Cunningham to the floor later in the game. But every time Washington tried to intimidate, Indiana got stronger. The Fever’s bench erupted, the defense tightened, and the offense found its rhythm. Cunningham, fueled by anger and determination, put together a masterclass in resilience. She attacked from every angle—mid-range jumpers, drives to the basket, and clutch three-pointers. Her efficiency was remarkable: 6-for-11 from the field and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, finishing with a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds.
By halftime, Indiana had cut the deficit to just three points. The Mystics’ plan to break the Fever’s will had completely backfired. Instead of folding, Indiana unified and fought back. As the game wore on, the crowd of over 12,000 fans became the sixth man, erupting with every defensive stop and every time a Fever player stood up to the Mystics’ bullying. Coach Stephanie White called Cunningham a “dog”—the ultimate basketball compliment for a player with relentless fight and heart. “She raises the level of play of everyone around her as soon as she steps foot on the floor,” White said, praising Cunningham’s energy and leadership.
The fourth quarter saw Indiana’s comeback reach full force. With Cunningham and Hull leading the charge, the Fever erased the Mystics’ once-commanding lead and forced overtime. In the extra period, Cunningham took over, hitting clutch shots and free throws while the Mystics players who had targeted her could only watch. Indiana’s defense, led by Hull’s intensity and Bonner’s veteran presence, smothered the Mystics’ attack.
When the final buzzer sounded, Indiana had secured a dramatic comeback victory—without Caitlin Clark. The Mystics, who had tried to bully their way to a win, left the court without shaking hands, stung by the reversal of fortune. The Fever, meanwhile, celebrated more than just a preseason win. They had discovered a new identity: a team that refuses to be pushed around, a team that stands up for each other, and a team that can win even when its brightest star is sidelined.
This game wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard—it was a statement to the rest of the league. Sophie Cunningham’s fearless response to the Mystics’ bullying set the tone, but it was the collective heart, fight, and unity of the Fever that carried them to victory. The message was clear: try to bully Indiana at your own risk. This is not last year’s Fever. With Cunningham, Hull, Bonner, and soon Clark all on the floor, the 2025 Indiana Fever are a team nobody will want to face.
If you stand with Indiana and love what Sophie brought, comment “spicy Sophie” down below. The Fever are just getting started—and they’re not backing down from anyone.
