The Indiana Fever have plenty to play for Sunday afternoon against the Atlanta Dream, but the day carries some extra significance for Sophie Cunningham.
Cunningham celebrates her 30th birthday on Aug. 16, and the Fever made sure their veteran guard received some recognition before taking the court. Indiana shared a special birthday message for Cunningham on social media Sunday, adding another moment to what has already been an eventful season for one of the team's most recognizable players.
The celebration comes as Cunningham and the Fever prepare for a significant Eastern Conference matchup. Indiana enters Sunday's game at 22-12 and riding a three-game winning streak, while Atlanta sits just behind the Fever at 21-12.
Fever Celebrate Sophie Cunningham's Birthday
The Fever celebrated Cunningham's milestone birthday with a message on their official social media account Sunday morning.
"Happy birthday to our girl, Sophie Cunningham 🥳💗" the Fever wrote on X.
Cunningham was born Aug. 16, 1996, and played collegiately at Missouri before the Phoenix Mercury selected her with the No. 13 overall pick in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft. She eventually landed in Indiana and has become an important part of the Fever's rotation.
Cunningham is averaging 8.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 33 appearances this season. She has been particularly effective from the perimeter, shooting 45.2% from 3-point range.
The veteran recently delivered one of her best shooting performances of the season against the New York Liberty, scoring 12 points while knocking down four of her five attempts from beyond the arc in Indiana's 106-92 victory.
Cunningham And Fever Enter Crucial Matchup With Dream
Cunningham's birthday celebration comes in the middle of an impressive stretch for Indiana.
The Fever have won three straight games, including Friday's 98-87 victory over the Dallas Wings. Cunningham played 20 minutes in the win and finished with five points.
Now Indiana gets a chance to create some separation from Atlanta near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
The Fever hold a half-game advantage over the Dream entering Sunday's matchup. Indiana also has momentum after recent victories over the Chicago Sky, Liberty and Wings.
Cunningham has become a major part of Indiana's identity since joining a roster featuring Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. Her outside shooting and physical approach have helped give the Fever another veteran presence as they pursue one of the WNBA's top playoff seeds.
A victory over Atlanta would make Cunningham's 30th birthday even sweeter.
Sunday's Fever-Dream game is scheduled to tip off at 4 p.m. ET.
