Sophie Cunningham Responds Perfectly After Losing Starting Spot

Sophie Cunningham did not take it personally after Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White opted not to start her on Sunday.

The 29-year-old fan favorite came off the bench for the first time in the 2026 WNBA season. Indiana defeated the Seattle Storm 89-78.

White decided to relegate the seven-year veteran back to the second unit. The consummate professional did not take it as a slight, letting her game do the talking.

She responded with a season-high 17 points on 5-of-6 shooting, along with five rebounds and two assists in 33 minutes. Cunningham had easily her best game of the new season after losing her starting spot.

White's decision was not a demotion by any means. She simply inserted original starter Lexie Hull back into the starting five. Hull has been slowly easing back after a hamstring injury that kept her out of all preseason games. Cunningham made way but remained an important part of the rotation.

After the season opener against the Dallas Wings, White noted the Fever needed to find Cunningham more on offense. Clark and Co. did a better job of involving her against the Storm. Clark paced Indiana with 21 points and 10 assists, while Kelsey Mitchell chipped in 17 in a balanced offensive effort.

Cunningham re-signed on a one-year deal this offseason after an MCL tear cut her 2025 campaign short. The Fever made bringing her back a priority in free agency.

Indiana originally brought Cunningham in for her defense and toughness. She has delivered both while adding welcomed offensive production in 2026. Through four games, she is averaging 10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game on 50 percent shooting.

Related: Caitlin Clark's Outfit at Indiana Fever Game Gets Reactions

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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 6:46 AM.