Sophie Cunningham has received plenty of attention away from basketball this season, but the Indiana Fever guard had a simple response Saturday for anyone wondering whether the noise surrounding her has become a distraction.
Check the numbers.
Cunningham spoke with reporters before Indiana’s highly anticipated road matchup against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. When asked about everything surrounding her this season and whether it has affected her performance, Cunningham pointed directly toward what she has done on the court.
“Look at my stats,” Cunningham said, according to Kris Pursiainen. “I don’t know why people think this is such a big distraction.”
But Cunningham’s most interesting comment might have come immediately afterward.
“Great time to be a Fever,” she added.
That’s a strong statement, but Indiana’s play gives Cunningham plenty of evidence to support it.
Sophie Cunningham Is Backing Up Her Words
Cunningham has settled into an important role for a Fever team with legitimate championship aspirations.
The 30-year-old is averaging 8.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season. Her role goes beyond raw scoring totals, however, as she gives coach Stephanie White another veteran perimeter option alongside a talented core featuring Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.
Indiana also made it clear how much it valued Cunningham when it brought her back for the 2026 season after her first year with the franchise ended prematurely because of a knee injury. The Fever specifically praised the veteran guard’s energy and competitive approach when announcing her return in April.
Cunningham has rewarded that confidence while becoming one of the most recognizable players on Indiana’s roster.
The attention around her has grown considerably. Her response Saturday suggested she isn’t interested in letting any of it interfere with basketball.
It’s A Pretty Good Time To Be A Fever
Cunningham’s final line also captured where Indiana finds itself heading toward the postseason.
The Fever entered the week as one of the hottest teams in the WNBA, winning four straight games before extending that run to five against Toronto on Tuesday. Indiana then suffered a 91-85 loss to Dallas on Thursday, with Mitchell pouring in 37 points and Boston adding 14 points and nine rebounds.
More importantly, this isn’t simply a team enjoying a good stretch.
Indiana has developed into a legitimate contender. The Fever have featured one of the league’s most productive offenses, with Clark and Mitchell producing at an MVP-caliber level while Boston continues to provide another All-Star presence inside.
Saturday’s matchup with New York provided another significant test as the Fever continue jockeying for playoff position.
There will continue to be attention surrounding Cunningham. That’s part of becoming one of the league’s most recognizable personalities.
She doesn’t appear particularly concerned about it.
Her message Saturday was essentially to watch what happens between the lines.
And considering where Indiana stands entering the stretch run, Cunningham has a point.
It really is a pretty good time to be a Fever.
