Sophie Cunningham’s 18-Point Homecoming Spotlights Fever’s Unwanted Reality, Says Analyst

4 min read

The Indiana Fever’s away game with the Phoenix Mercury was a rollercoaster ride. Hull and Bonner clashing, Fever players getting injured, Sophie Cunningham shining in front of her old team, and finally, the home team winning the revenge game – this matchup had it all. But in the end, it was a completely different story in both locker rooms.

Mercury had a high of a dominant 35-point win over their opponents. Fever had to face the lows on back-to-back losses and a growing list of injured players. But there was a silver lining for the losing side: the standout Cunningham performance. However, an industry insider has come forward to claim this performance was an unfortunate one.

This claim came from Rachel A. DeMita, who was convinced the Fever came to Mercury prepared to lose, except for Cunningham. “I feel like Sophie Cunningham was the only player on the Indiana Fever who had a good game. It had to suck for her because it felt like the rest of the team just didn’t come to play, or it was just an off night for the rest of them,” she said on the Courtside Club podcast.

Her remarks about the Fever carry weight. Only two players from the team reached double figures: Cunningham and Mitchell. However, Mitchell converted just four of her seventeen field goal attempts and made only one of her six shots from beyond the arc. The rest of the roster had similar struggles.

Natasha Howard scored seven points, while Makayla Timpson added only five. Aliyah Boston managed four points, hitting just one of her six field goal attempts. To make matters worse, Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald, two important contributors, suffered injuries that will keep them out for the entire season. While the Fever was struggling, DeMita aimed at Cunningham for foul play during the game.

Former ESPN host criticizes Sophie Cunningham for a foul on DB

While Rachel DeMita praised Sophie Cunningham for her fierce fight, she also criticized the guard’s foul on DeWanna Bonner. The sparks between these two players go back to the Fever’s home game against the Mercury. When Bonner stepped onto Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the crowd showered her with boos and chants of quitter. Yet, she had the last laugh.

Bonner stayed composed in Indiana but unleashed her intensity during Mercury’s home game. The matchup was physical, filled with trash talk, gritty defense, and emotional swings. At one point, Bonner exchanged words with Lexie Hull. Moments later, she clashed with the Fever’s enforcer in the third quarter.

Aug 7, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts alongside Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) in the first half of a WNBA game at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

During the second half, Cunningham drove toward the basket, but Bonner swiped the ball away. The Fever guard immediately tried to reclaim it, grabbing Bonner’s arm in the scramble. The foul was called. But Sophie did not stop and jawed with Bonner and Mercury guard Satou Sabally. Damiris Dantas had to step in and separate her teammate. The tension was unmistakable, and DeMita awarded the mental victory to Bonner.

“I think that’s a fair assessment of a foul,” DeMita said. “DB would have been going the other way. Sophie was not trying to hurt her. She was just, it seemed like to me, intentionally trying to foul her to stop the play.” With sparks of rivalry flying between the two teams, their next game is assured to be a crowd-pleaser. However, fans will have to wait till September 2 for it.

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