Fever star Sophie Cunningham shares health update after injury scare

Sophie Cunningham has missed just one game for the Indiana Fever this season.

That record was in danger on Wednesday after the Fever announced that she was suddenly questionable to play after tweaking her back in warmups ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Sparks. Cunningham was able to play through the injury, checking in late in the first quarter.

However, Cunningham was listed as questionable again heading into Thursday’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. It turned out to be a precautionary move for Indiana, with Cunningham later cleared to play.

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates a 3-pointer.

Fever star Sophie Cunningham addresses back injury

Cunningham spoke to reporters ahead of Thursday’s game in Phoenix. The 6-foot-1 guard was all smiles as she played down the extent of the back issue.

“Honestly, because of my back spasm the other day, I actually feel pretty good because I didn’t really play much,” she said. “That’s part of being a pro though. You never know what your body or games are going to throw at you, so you just have to be prepared.

“I think our team, that was a pretty bad loss in L.A., and so we’re very motivated and kind of need to get the train rolling in the right direction.”

As Cunningham said, the Fever played poorly against the Sparks. They suffered a blowout loss, 106-92. The former Missour Tigers standout managed just two points on 1-of-4 shooting in 11 minutes of action.

When asked if the back injury has been a nagging issue, Cunningham assured that it’s not a cause for concern. She also pointed to the illness she dealt with last week, which forced her to sit out a couple of practice sessions.

“No, I think I’m kind of getting old,” she said. “I got off the ground from stretching and it just kind of locked up on me. And so, I’m fine.

“I think I’m a little dehydrated. I had some kind of stomach issues, so it’s kind of hard to keep fluids down; I think that’s kind of where it stemmed from, but much better.”

Sophie Cunningham says she’s feeling good after her back spasm kept her out of the beginning of the game last night.

On if back spasms are frequent for her: “Oh no, I think I’m just getting old. I got off the ground from stretching, and it just like kind of locked up on me.” pic.twitter.com/BJsf3B0AtP

— Chloe Peterson (@chloepeterson67) July 10, 2026

Cunningham bounced back with a noteworthy effort on Thursday. She helped the Fever secure an important 92-89 win over the Mercury on the road.

Cunningham was clutch down the stretch, knocking down two big free throws with just 4.0 seconds left to put her team up by three points. She finished with nine points, two rebounds, two assists and one three-pointer in 29 minutes off the bench.