Indiana Fever suffered their first loss of the season against the Atlanta Dream at home. But they only have themselves to blame. The team started the game off on a bad note and trailed throughout. Why? Atlanta’s defensive intensity was there to be seen the entire game, forcing 14 turnovers and grabbing 7 steals to the Fever’s 11 and 3. And although Brittney Griner appeared inevitable at times, White believes her team lacked in execution.
“We didn’t handle their physicality. That’s going to be the M.O. against us all year long, teams are going to be physical. That’s how I’d play us,” the HC said. “They’re going to push us, they’re going to shove us, they’re going to hold us. They’re going to do whatever they’re allowed to get away with, and we have to figure out how to use that physicality against them.”
White & Co. will have a chance to execute that in the upcoming game. And as they seek redemption, the anticipation around guard Sophie Cunningham’s return only grows.
Is Sophie Cunningham playing tonight?
Newcomer Sophie Cunningham wasted no time settling in Indiana, firing on all cylinders in preseason. Her energy on and off the floor, coupled with her scoring prowess, has made her a vital piece for the team & a fan favorite. So when Sophie got injured in the preseason closer against the Atlanta Dream, it raised an air of concern in Indiana.
The star guard stepped on Dream forward Rhyne Howard’s foot while going for a rebound in the third quarter. This would lead to an ankle injury, forcing her to exit the game. While Sophie has since participated in practices, she is yet to play a regular-season game this season.
While Sophie had been listed as day-to-day by Coach White prior to their season opener against the Chicago Sky, she was eventually ruled out after White expected it to be physical. And she wasn’t wrong. A veteran like Sophie Cunningham is a crucial player for any championship team, and her versatility will benefit the Fever come Playoff time. So Coach White’s decision to preserve her made sense.
Then, taking further precautions, Sophie didn’t participate in the Fever’s loss against the Dream either. And just as it looked like she would be back in the lineup for the trip to Atlanta, the Fever were once again dealt a blow.
After the former Suns star was seen practicing with an ankle wrap on, fans felt the comeback was imminent, and White’s comments only seemed to make fans more hopeful. “Obviously, we have to go through today with no setbacks, but I’m hopeful that she’ll be able to be in uniform,” White had said of Cunningham’s availability last afternoon. However, Cunningham was later listed in the Fever’s 5 p.m. injury report as questionable.
Status Report for tomorrow’s game against the Dream:
Sophie Cunningham – Questionable (right ankle) pic.twitter.com/BTU88xm7AU
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 21, 2025
The Fever have experienced the Dream’s physicality and it would hint at one thing here: it is not an ideal situation for Cunningham. Questionable would still keep the hopes of having her on the court alive, but it is unlikely. And if they do go short-handed, the Fever will need contributions from across the board if they want a W in ATL. Because it was only the Big Three doing the heavylifting last game, putting in a combined 75 points out of 90.
Indian Fever: Injury Report
Sophie Cunningham is the only player on Fever’s injury report for the game against the Dream, out with her right-ankle injury. Damiris Dantas was also on the list with her in the latter stages of the preseason as she was nursing an injury to her right leg. This caused the Brazilian to miss the preseason game against Atlanta. She was cleared to compete before their season opener and has been playing since.
While Cunningham could be missed by White and Fever alike, it is no doubt that they have more than enough to take on the Dream. White’s season has just begun and while her team are favorites, expectations don’t just invite praise, it also invites criticism. Next stop, Atlanta.
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