What happened to the Indiana Fever? Once riding a promising five-game win streak, they have recently hit a snag with back-to-back losses. The latest loss was a particularly gut-wrenching one at the hands of the Phoenix Mercury. Fever got handed a 35-point defeat in this away game. However, amid the frustration, there was a shining silver lining: Sophie Cunningham.

Following her $304K contract with the Phoenix Mercury in 2023, she was traded to Indiana in January 2025 and wasted no time winning over fans both on and off the court. Even in the wake of this tough loss, the Fever guard made it clear she chooses her new team over her former one in a bittersweet admission.

In the post-game media availability following the Mercury matchup, Cunningham declared, “It was good to see people. It was fun to play in front of some fans. But for me, I’m way happier in Indiana.” Her loyalty and emotional connection to the Fever, even over her former Mercury gig worth $304,500 (averaging about $152,250 per season), resonates louder.

Furthermore, she stood out as one of the few who could keep pace with her former team. Cunningham scored 18 points, joining Kelsey Mitchell (12 points) as the only Fever players to reach double figures. While the terms of her Fever contract remain undisclosed, her affection for the team is evident. This affection was once again on display when she arrived at the court alongside teammate Lexie Hull.

Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull give a showstopping act before the Mercury game

Before facing Phoenix, Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull made sure to turn heads. Two-thirds of the Tres Leches trio arrived in perfectly coordinated outfits: matching yellow Howdy Cowboy crop tops with light denim bottoms. Cunningham went for classic Daisy Dukes paired with black cowboy boots, while Hull chose a denim miniskirt and bold red boots.

The confident walk into PHX Arena was a clear statement of unity, and the moment quickly went viral. Even the official WNBA account joined in, posting the photo with the caption, “Twinning.”

However, the similarity ended once the game tipped off. Hull’s struggles continued, as she connected on just one of her eleven shot attempts, her lone basket of the night. Mercury’s DeWanna Bonner was breathing down her neck in the court and keeping her from scoring. Cunningham, however, shone as Indiana’s primary spark, dropping 18 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists to keep the Fever in the game.

Her effort, though, wasn’t enough to halt Indiana’s slide, and the Fever suffered another tough loss. But one thing is for sure, she loves being in Indiana and will fight tooth and nail for her team. That’s why she’s earned the title of the enforcer of the Indiana Fever. Sophie Cunningham will next appear in a game against Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky on August 9.