Sophie Cunningham stats tonight: Fever star fails to deliver in Caitlin Clark’s absence against LA Sparks (June 26)

Without Caitlin Clark, out with a groin injury, Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever hosted the LA Sparks on Thursday. The Fever returned home from a three-game road trip on a high note after beating the Seattle Storm 94-86 two nights ago. Cunningham and Co. try to hold the fort without their superstar.

The former Phoenix Mercury star entered the game with 7:02 left in the first quarter to relieve Sydney Colson, who started for Clark. Cunningham contributed two points and one steal to end the period and help Indiana trail by just 20-19.

Sophie Cunningham started the second quarter and gave the Fever a boost on both ends. She scored seven points and stood out on defense. Cunningham's three steals partly showed her impact on that end. She helped limit Sparks star Kelsey Plum to three first-half points.

The Indiana Fever clamped down on defense, limiting the LA Sparks to 10 second-quarter points. Indiana led 34-30 at halftime.

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The Fever leaned on Kelsey Mitchell, who had 11 points and two assists in the third quarter to push Indiana's lead to 58-50. Sophie Cunningham did her part by scoring two points and providing her team with energy and hustle.

Indiana's sizzling third quarter gave way to a disappointing finish. The Fever collapsed 35-17 to allow the LA Sparks to sprint to the finish line with an 85-75 win.

Player	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	FG	3-PT FG	FT	+/-
Sophie Cunningham	10	2	0	4	0	1	3-8	2-7	2-2	-3

Erratic and inefficient fourth quarter proved costly for Sophie Cunningham and Fever

The Indiana Fever had the momentum heading into the fourth quarter. Natasha Howard's layup early in the period pushed Indiana's lead to 60-50, its largest in the game.

The LA Sparks refused to quit. Kelsey Plum and Azura Stevens led the home team's comeback. Plum's 3-pointer gave the Sparks a 67-66 lead with 4:13 to go. To stop the bleeding, Fever coach Stephanie White inserted Sophie Cunningham to boost the defense.

Plum, who had found her rhythm, couldn't be stopped. The former Las Vegas Aces guard continued to make timely shots. The Fever did themselves no favor by committing four of their 13 turnovers in the final quarter.

LA used screens to maximize mismatches. Cunningham was called for back-to-back fouls when she had to guard Azura Stevens and Dearica Hamby in the post. Indiana's error-prone ways and 5-for-13 shooting, including 0-for-5 from deep, proved costly.

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Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

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Edited by Michael Macasero

Sophie Cunningham stats tonight: Fever star fails to deliver in Caitlin Clark’s absence against LA Sparks (June 26) | 2025 WNBA Season

Erratic and inefficient fourth quarter proved costly for Sophie Cunningham and Fever