The Indiana Fever got some long-sought revenge on the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday for last month's incident with Caitlin Clark, taking them down in a 92-89 win. After the game, Sophie Cunningham had a little fun at the Mercury's expense.
Several weeks ago the Fever and Mercury split a series at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, though the only story that really emerged from that stretch was Alyssa Thomas pressing her hand on the throat of Caitlin Clark and earning a suspension afterwards.
With Clark out of action in the Fever-Mercury game at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix though, everyone else stepped up and delivered the win.
Following the game, Cunningham made what has become her signature pose: Pointing her right arm up in the air.
Fans were definitely happy to see it from one of their fan favorites:
"I love ❤️ Sophie! She is not backing down," one user wrote in response to SportsCenter.
"She drew the foul, hit the clinching free throws, then gave the point. MVP of the league," another declared.
"A Sophie Cunningham point after a dominant night by Kelsey Mitchell. Caitlin Clark will be back next game. Stephanie White better use her right," wrote a third.
Cunningham did her best to make sure to let the Mercury know that their decision to part ways with her after the 2024 season was a mistake.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
The Game
Fever stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston took control of the game, scoring 29 and 21 points respectively and accounting for more than half of the team's points. Mitchell added a team-leading eight assists while Boston had a team-best nine rebounds.
Tyasha Harris, filling in for Clark at guard, was solid with 15 points, going 75-percent from the paint and the three-point range. Lexie Hull also contributed 10 points. Cunningham had nine points in 28 minutes off the bench.
Alyssa Thomas started at center for the Mercury and also looked solid, recording 22 points, six rebounds and seven assists - all team highs. Guard Kahleah Cooper tied her on points with 22 points.
