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Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever faced the Washington Mystics on Wednesday without Caitlin Clark. Following the announcement of Clark's quad injury two nights ago, Cunningham could see increased playing time. The backup guard looked to help the Fever bounce back from a 90-88 loss to the New York Liberty on Saturday.
Cunningham entered the game with 3:17 left in the first quarter to give Aliyah Boston a breather. She immediately made her presence felt on the defensive end and sank two late free throws that gave the Fever a 23-19 advantage.
The former Phoenix Mercury guard started the second frame. She missed the only shot she attempted but contributed with her hustle and defense. After a foul with roughly two minutes remaining, Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White substituted Cunningham for Kelsey Mitchell.
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Sophie Cunningham started the second half on the bench. She came in with 4:52 remaining in the third quarter to take out Lexie Hull. Cunningham promptly launched a shot in her first possession, a 23-footer that went wide. Indiana struggled on both ends, allowing the Mystics to extend their lead to 60-53 entering the fourth quarter.
The Fever attempted to rally for a win in Washington but eventually fell short. Cunningham struggled in the fourth quarter, missing the only shot she took and had trouble giving her team a boost defensively.
Sophie Cunningham struggles in Indiana Fever's loss to Washington Mystics
In the Indiana Fever's first game this season without Caitlin Clark, coach Stephanie White vowed to lean on her team's depth. Sophie Cunningham, who was expected to give the Fever quality minutes, had trouble impacting the game on both ends.
Cunningham went 0-for-3, including 0-for-2 from deep. She showed her trademark hustle but was error-prone, particularly in the first half. Cunningham fouled out late as the Indiana Fever fell to a 2-3 record following the 83-77 loss to the Mystics.
The Fever will host the Connecticut Sun on Friday. Stephanie White will be hoping Cunningham can give the team a better performance than what she showed against Washington.
