Sunday’s exciting 99-93 victory over the Connecticut Sun by the Indiana Fever should have been cause for celebration. Instead, guard Sophie Cunningham’s apparent serious knee injury left players, coaches, and fans in disarray.
Early in the second quarter, the play took place. Sun guard Bria Hartley slammed into Cunningham’s right knee after losing her balance while charging toward the basket. The effect was brutal and instantaneous.
With a cry, Cunningham grabbed her leg and attempted to jump off, but she fell to the hardwood floor. There was silence in the arena. As the Fever’s medical staff ran in, towels raised to hide the scene from worried spectators, teammates hurried to her side. It was one of those sports moments that leaves you feeling sick to your stomach.
Stephanie White, the head coach, acknowledged feeling shaken. She later remarked, still taking in the scene, “I’m like, ‘Holy s—,'” You couldn’t blame her either. Cunningham had become a vital member of the Fever’s rotation, but injuries have decimated them this season.
It was startling to see her in such pain. After being assisted off the court, Cunningham never came back. White subsequently stated that in order to assess the extent of the damage, the 28-year-old will have an MRI on Monday. People can only wait—and hope—until then.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Sydney Colson (ACL), Aari McDonald (foot), and Caitlin Clark (groin) are already out for the Fever. Over the past month, Cunningham had taken on a larger role, averaging almost nine points per game and offering the kind of outside shooting and grit that every contender requires. It would be another cruel blow to lose her, even for a few weeks.
Nevertheless, the Fever managed to come together despite that terrifying moment. They rallied from a 21-point deficit at one point thanks to a double-double from Aliyah Boston and a scorching 38-point effort from Kelsey Mitchell. In the history of the franchise, it was the biggest comeback.
However, until Cunningham’s MRI results are made public, the excitement surrounding that victory will remain subdued. The league and the Fever are currently holding their breath. Because one injury can sometimes change everything.
