Sophie Cunningham injury: Everything to know about the severity and impact
Sophie Cunningham clutching her knee after the collision. Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
On August 17, during the Indiana Fever’s historic comeback win over the Connecticut Sun, guard Sophie Cunningham suffered a right knee injury that forced her to leave the court early, and could significantly impact the Fever’s playoff push. Here’s what we know and what fans should watch next.
The Injury and Immediate Reactions
In the second quarter, while defending, Bria Hartley of the Sun collided with Cunningham’s planted right leg, causing Cunningham to collapse in visible pain. She immediately grabbed her knee, was attended to by medical staff, and then helped off the court, ruled out for the remainder of the game.
An MRI was scheduled for the following day to assess the full extent of the injury. Coach Stephanie White described the moment with visible concern, “I’m like, ‘Holy s—’” when she witnessed the severity of Cunningham’s fall. Cunningham’s exit adds another blow to a Fever squad already struggling with injuries to Caitlin Clark (groin), Aari McDonald (foot), and Sydney Colson (ACL).
Before her injury, Cunningham had yet to score, she recorded zero points, one rebound, and one turnover in about 10 minutes of play. Despite the slow night, she has been a reliable contributor this season, averaging 8.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.3% from beyond the arc.
Team Impact and Playoff Implications
The timing couldn’t be worse. With multiple roster gaps, Cunningham missing time could derail Indiana’s playoff positioning. The team currently sits at 18–16, with only one win in their past five games. Her absence would place even more pressure on Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, who are already carrying heavy workloads.
Furthermore, Cunningham’s injury is significant because she has been a consistent two-way presence, stretching the floor offensively and defending some of the league’s toughest guards. Losing her now leaves the Fever with fewer options as they push toward postseason contention.
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What’s Next: Awaiting MRI Results
All eyes now turn to the results of Monday’s MRI. Until then, specifics about injury severity and potential recovery timelines remain unknown. Speculation ranges from a minor sprain to serious ligament damage, but no official update has been released.
Sophie Cunningham injury represents both a personal and team-wide concern. With the Fever already battling injuries, her absence could be pivotal in the playoff race. Fans and analysts now wait for medical results to determine just how serious this setback is, and how the Fever will adjust moving forward.