In a thrilling preseason opener, the Indiana Fever showcased their depth and resilience, securing a 79–74 overtime win against the Washington Mystics, despite the absence of star guard Caitlin Clark due to a minor leg issue. 

Sophie Cunningham emerged as the standout performer, delivering a game-high 21 points and eight rebounds. Her tenacity was on full display during a heated exchange with Mystics rookie Kiki Iriafen, following a hard foul that led to Iriafen receiving a Flagrant 1 penalty.

Head coach Stephanie White praised Cunningham’s competitive spirit, stating, “She’s a competitor, she’s versatile so she allows us to do different things, she plays with such toughness. She’s huge, and she’s going to be for us all season long.”

The Fever’s performance, marked by forcing 25 turnovers and capitalizing with 17 points off those mistakes, underscores the team’s potential depth. As the Fever prepare for their next preseason game against Brazil, fans eagerly anticipate Clark’s return to the court.

For a detailed analysis of the game and Cunningham’s impact, watch the following video: