The Indiana Fever earned a 79-74 win against the Washington Mystics in their preseason opener on Saturday. The game -- which was decided in overtime -- felt more like a playoff contest than a preseason opener. Fans were loud, the game saw some back-and-forth between players and there were plenty of clutch moments. With Caitlin Clark out due to a leg injury, Fever guard Sophie Cunningham stepped up and led the way.
Cunningham was acquired during the offseason. She will likely play as a backup guard in 2025 with Indiana. The Fever added plenty of quality players during the offseason, but Cunningham proved she could be an X-factor on Saturday. The veteran guard recorded 21 points and eight rebounds against the Mystics.
The 28-year-old made an impact with her offensive performance. She knocked down a couple of three-pointers, finished at the basket and seemingly developed chemistry with her new teammates throughout the affair. Cunningham also did not back down despite a couple of heated moments with Mystics players.
In the first half, Cunningham was thrown to the floor by rookie Kiki Iriafen -- a play that resulted in a flagrant foul. Brittney Sykes also pushed Cunningham. The plays seemingly gave the Fever veteran added motivation, and her teammates supported her as well.
Cunningham has played in the league since 2019. She is a player who isn't ever going to back away from confrontation. Sometimes she starts it, sometimes she doesn't, but Cunningham is always ready for it. She will give the Fever an edge and increase in toughness in 2025.
Between that added toughness and all-around offensive impact, Cunningham projects to be a true X-factor in Indiana.
Fever's preseason continues
The Fever will move forward in the 2025 WNBA preseason following Saturday's game. On Sunday, they will play a contest at Iowa -- Caitlin Clark's former college. It remains to be seen if Clark will play in the game, however.
Indiana will then play the Atlanta Dream on Saturday, May 10. That matchup will represent the team's final preseason game before their season opener against the Chicago Sky on May 17.
The Fever want to reach the next level during the upcoming 2025 campaign. Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell will lead Indiana once again, but Cunningham's impact should not be overlooked. The Fever wanted to add impactful depth in the offseason, and they seemingly accomplished their goal by acquiring Cunningham and others.