The Indiana Fever secured a hard-fought Commissioner’s Cup championship over the Minnesota Lynx, claiming the $500,000 grand prize that comes with it. After the final buzzer, Sophie Cunningham wasted no time sharing with fans just how much each Fever player would receive from the Cup win: a $30,000 payout per person.
Cunningham, who has never shied away from speaking her mind, posted on social media while joining her teammates in the postgame celebrations.
The sixth woman of the night, Cunningham logged starters minutes with 13 points and seven rebounds, providing a crucial lift off the bench as the Fever overcame the absence of Caitlin Clark, who remains out with an injury but was seen supporting her teammates from the sidelines.
Fever depth and defense prove decisive in championship win
With Clark unavailable, the Fever leaned on their frontcourt and bench to make the difference against the Lynx. Aaliyah Boston and Natasha Howard set the tone in the paint, while Cunningham, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aari McDonald all delivered timely scoring bursts to keep Indiana ahead. But it was their collective defensive effort that tipped the scales, holding Minnesota’s star Napheesa Collier to just 12 points as Fever coach Stephanie White rotated through a series of different defensive strategies.
The locker room was buzzing after the victory, with Indiana’s roster celebrating their achievement as the fifth team to capture the WNBA’s in-season tournament. Clark, though unable to play, joined her teammates for the festivities, her trademark smile on full display despite her injury status.
Cunningham voices concerns as WNBA eyes expansion
Before taking the court, Cunningham made waves off it with her candid perspective on the WNBA’s expansion plans.
With the league preparing to introduce new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia in the coming years, Cunningham stressed the importance of player input and market viability when choosing locations for the next wave of teams.
“You just get more mergers, more opportunities, and so I get that aspect. I also think that you need to listen to your players too, and where do they want to play? Where are they going to get excited to play and draw fans?” Cunningham said. She continued, “Man, I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or [Cleveland],” a remark that sparked immediate reaction from basketball fans in those cities.
For now, though, the focus in Indiana is on the present-a $500,000 prize, a major trophy, and proof that even without their star rookie, the Fever have the depth and determination to win on the league’s biggest stages.
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