Former Missouri women’s basketball standout Sophie Cunningham contributed three points and three rebounds in the Indiana Fever’s disappointing 80-61 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday in Indianapolis. This defeat has pushed the Fever back under .500 for the season, standing at 9-10 and currently holding the seventh spot in the WNBA standings.
The game marked a particularly challenging shooting night for the Fever, who managed to secure only 30.9% of their shots from the field and a dismal 22.2% from three-point range. Cunningham, who had played impressively in her recent outings, went 1-of-3 from beyond the arc. Additionally, she recorded a -18 plus/minus score, reflecting a tough matchup as she covered 21 minutes off the bench.
The return of All-Star Caitlin Clark added an interesting dynamic to the game. She scored 10 points, along with six assists, after missing five games due to a groin injury. Kelsey Mitchell led the Fever with 12 points in this encounter. Star player Veronica Burton shined for the Valkyries, leading her team with 21 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.
On a brighter note, Cunningham’s performance over her first 15 games with the Fever shows promise. She is averaging 5.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, alongside a notable presence on defense with an average of one steal per game. Her shooting statistics, while modest at 32.8% from the field, highlight the potential for improvement as she continues to adapt to her new team.
Earlier this year, Cunningham received recognition through her induction into Missouri Athletics’ 2025 Hall of Fame Class, underscoring her legacy as the all-time leading scorer for Mizzou women’s basketball with 2,187 points.
The Fever will be looking to rebound as they face the Atlanta Dream next on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in Indianapolis, and fans will be hoping for a turnaround in performance after this tough loss. With Cunningham’s continued development and Clark’s integration back into the lineup, there remains optimism for the remainder of the season.