Slo-Mo Video of Sophie Cunningham’s Injury During Fever-Dream Game Turns Heads

After a blow out 108-44 win over the Brazilian national team, the Indiana Fever close out their preseason with a matchup against the Atlanta Dream on May 10.

Before taking the court at Gateway Center Arena, Fever head coach Stephanie White announced a slightly different starting lineup than what’s expected for when the 2025 WNBA season officially kicks off against the Chicago Sky on May 17.

While Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Aliyah Boston look to be the starting five, White experimented by replacing Bonner with Sophie Cunningham for Saturday’s matchup.

“Sophie’s a dawg,” White following the Fever’s 79-74 preseason victory over the Washington Mystics. “She’s a competitor, she’s versatile so she allows us to do different things. She plays with such a toughness, you know. She’s huge, and she’s going to be for us all season long.”

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.

With Clark out due to leg injury, Cunningham scored 21 points, with eight rebounds, and two assists against the Mystics.

During her first start with Indiana on Saturday, Cunningham, suffered a right ankle injury after coming down on Dream forward Rhyne Howard’s foot while trying to secure a rebound in the third quarter

The 28-year-old walked quickly off the court, however, there was noticeable limp on her right leg. Shortly after slo-mo video of Cunningham’s injured emerged on social media, the Fever announced she was doubtful to return.

Fever fans were immediately concern for Cunningham, especially with the season opener exactly one week away.

One fan posted, “Hopefully, that is just a sprain for Sophie Cunningham. But damn, that sounded bad.” One person commented, “Oh mannnn, that ankle injury looks painful for Sophie Cunningham, hoping it’s nothing serious.”

Another fan wrote, “Prayers up for Sophie Cunningham.”

White ultimately kept all the starters out during in the fourth quarter, which could be a reason Cunningham did not return to play. The Fever won 81-76.

White gave reporters a positive update after the game, as Cunningham told her, “I’ll be fine.”