Sophie Cunningham’s injury was a major blow to the Indiana Fever. The star guard had been one of the pillars keeping the team afloat in the absence of several key players, including Caitlin Clark, and her potential loss threatened to derail the Fever’s playoff hopes. But now, eagle-eyed fans believe they’ve found a reason for optimism.
Sunday’s 99-93 victory over the Connecticut Sun was bittersweet. Kelsey Mitchell’s electric 38-point performance reminded fans that all is not lost, but Cunningham’s collapse in the second quarter cast a shadow.
The guard went down clutching her right knee, sparking fears of a serious injury on top of the team’s growing list of sidelined players – Clark, Aari McDonald, and Sidney Colson among them.
Sophie’s smile sparks hope
The Fever have yet to provide an official update, and some experts fear it could be an ACL injury – potentially season-ending. But fans spotted a small moment that might suggest otherwise.
In what appears to be a still from head coach Stephanie White’s postgame locker-room talk, Cunningham was seen standing and smiling as she chatted with a teammate.
“Best part of the locker room coach talk,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “A smiling Sophie standing up. Hope it’s not season-ending.” The image quickly went viral, with fans clinging to the hopeful sign.
Fans react: From relief to caution
Positive comments poured in. “Good catch. I pray it’s not as bad as it initially looked. They need her for many reasons,” one fan wrote. Another added: “Plenty of games left, I hope she’s okay.”
Still, others urged caution, pointing out that the Fever star may have been putting on a brave face for her teammates. Until doctors weigh in, fans are left to read between the lines – and for now, Sophie’s smile is the brightest clue they have.
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