Sophie Cunningham continues to thrive in her role with the Indiana Fever. After Cunningham started the first three games of the season, Stephanie White opted to use her off the bench, which has been one of the best decisions the Fever coach has made.
Cunningham is averaging 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game this season. The 29-year-old guard has been one of the most reliable sharpshooters in the league as well, as she is making nearly two 3-pointers on four attempts per game.
Her 45.2% shooting clip from beyond the arc is the second-best mark in the WNBA, trailing only Minnesota Lynx guard Antonia Delaere.
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With that being said, it's not surprising that Cunningham is in contention for the WNBA's Sixth Player of the Year award. ESPN has her listed as a "top contender" for the honor, behind only Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun.
Salaun is averaging 13.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists for a Valkyries team that is among the top three in the WNBA standings.
"Cunningham has been a perfect complement off the bench for the No. 1 scoring team in the league," Kareem Copeland wrote about Cunningham in the ESPN report. "Her 52 3-pointers rank behind only Salaun among reserves as she averages 9.3 points (she is Indiana's fourth-highest scorer after All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell, Clark and Aliyah Boston). As a defensive presence, Cunningham brings a physicality that constantly irritates opponents."
Cunningham will probably need to increase her scoring production if she wants a shot at the Sixth Player of the Year. Whether she wins or not, though, there's no denying that she has been an integral part of Indiana's success so far.
