“I Can’t Take It”: Sophie Cunningham Makes Honest Admission About Indiana Fever Game

It’s a big one for the Indiana Fever on Friday. They battle the Los Angeles Sparks in a road matchup at Crypto.com Arena, looking to make it back-to-back wins after their 95-75 blowout victory against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday.

This matchup has significant playoff implications, with the 20-18 Fever (sixth) just 2.0 games ahead of the 17-19 Sparks (ninth) in what has become a tight WNBA playoff race.

Sophie Cunningham on Edge During Fever-Sparks Game

Sophie Cunningham, who underwent surgery on Aug. 22 to address a season-ending MCL tear in her right knee, did not join the Fever for Friday’s game in L.A. The 6-foot-1 guard was in attendance for the Storm matchup on Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but the Fever opted to leave her in Indianapolis for Friday’s contest.

Cunningham had to watch the Sparks game from home, which led to an honest admission from the 29-year-old.

“is it always this stressful being a fan? I can’t take it… can’t sit still,” the former Missouri star posted on X

It has been a close fight between the Fever and the Sparks. As of writing, L.A. is up 47-44 at the break. It has been a back-and-forth affair, with neither side able to pull away in the opening half.

The nature of the game has put Cunningham on edge as she deals with a bit of anxiety over the crucial matchup.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates a three point shot

Fever Dealing With Injury Crisis

It’s not just Cunningham who has been sidelined for the Fever. Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson are also done for the year after suffering season-ending injuries just two weeks before Cunningham.

More importantly, Caitlin Clark remains out for Indiana. The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year joined her team for Friday’s matchup in L.A., but she was once again sitting on the bench in street clothes, cheering for her squad.

The good news for the Fever faithful is that Clark has been able to join the team’s shootarounds. The 23-year-old, however, has not officially returned to practice, as she continues to recover from a lingering groin injury.

At this point, Clark still has no timetable for her return, with just five games remaining on Indiana’s schedule after Friday’s contest. However, the Fever would ideally want Clark to play in a couple of contests before the playoffs start. That is, of course, under the assumption that Indiana does not fall out of the race.