Sophie Cunningham Shows Early Signs After Injury Return
Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham suffered a major injury in 2025. She tore the MCL in her right knee in August, which required season-ending surgery.
Cunningham went through a long and tedious rehabilitation process, but she is now back at full strength. Her performances in the Fever's preseason slate is a testament to the same.
Cunningham started all three preseason matchups for head coach Stephanie White. In her first game back from a lengthy injury spell, Cunningham scored 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting in just 14 minutes of action. The 6-foot-1 guard also added two rebounds, an assist, two steals and three triples.
Cunningham was quiet in the Fever's second preseason game as they suffered a 95-80 loss to the Wings. Cunningham logged just one point and one rebound in 14 minutes.
She bounced back in Indiana's preseason finale against Nigeria. The 29-year-old finished with eight points, one rebound, three assists, a steal and one triple in 12 minutes.
Cunningham's numbers are not mind-blowing, but what she brings to the table go far beyond the box score. She's a crucial piece on the defensive end and her physicality is an integral part of how the Fever play. Cunningham's veteran leadership on and off the court is a major asset as well.
The biggest takeaway for Cunningham in the preseason is that she has shown early signs of being fully healthy. Beyond the stats, what's more important is that she got through the postseason without any issues with her surgically repaired knee.
Cunningham herself stated that she's feeling ready to go.
"It felt good," Cunningham said on her return to action. "I mean, it's been 11 months since I played organized basketball. I got cleared at the end of March. So just getting back out there, getting my feet wet, just playing, reads, reactions.
"Knee felt great, so I'm happy about that."
Cuningham's first test comes Saturday as the Fever play their first game of the 2026 season. They host Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with tip-oof scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET.
Related: Sophie Cunningham Hints at Mercury Return After Fever Contract Issue
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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 5:31 AM.