SerpApi.Org
Sophie Cunningham has emerged as one of the WNBA’s most impactful bench players this season, giving the Indiana Fever a major lift since moving into a reserve role earlier in the year. After opening the season as a starter, Cunningham transitioned to the second unit as Indiana’s roster became healthier, and she has flourished in the role.
Through 25 games, she is averaging 9.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 48.4% from the field and a career-best 43.7% from three-point range, helping the Fever climb to 16-10.
Cunningham’s outside shooting has been one of the biggest reasons for her success. She ranks sixth in the WNBA in three-point percentage among qualified players while averaging 4.1 three-point attempts per game.
Her best shooting performance of the season came against the Las Vegas Aces on July 13, when she knocked down six three-pointers on her way to 20 points off the bench, tying her season-high three-point makes. Her efficiency from deep has also put her in the conversation as one of the league’s top shooters and even a potential 50-40-90 candidate.
Despite that, Cunningham will not be participating in one of the WNBA’s marquee All-Star Weekend events. The league announced the field for Friday’s 3-Point Contest, and the Fever guard was not among those selected despite her stellar shooting numbers. The six-player field will feature Azzi Fudd, Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman, Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey and Janelle Salaün.
The absence came as a surprise to many after Cunningham publicly said she would welcome the opportunity if chosen. “I don’t make any of those decisions,” Cunningham said at her youth camp in Carmel. “I think it would be a cool opportunity if I get chosen… if I’m not, that’s OK” (h/t Chloe Peterson of IndySports).
Fever coach Stephanie White also voiced her support, saying Cunningham had earned a spot with her shooting and would bring entertainment to the event.
The contest will also be without two of the league’s biggest names. Caitlin Clark and Sabrina Ionescu both declined invitations to participate.
The Fever, now 16-10, will close out the first half of the season against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday before the All-Star break. Although Cunningham has never been selected as a WNBA All-Star, she continues to be a valuable piece of Indiana’s rotation, and will look to help her team secure a third straight win.
