Sophie Cunningham proves she keeps WNBA drama strictly on the court

Cunningham and Collier have been facing off since middle school in Missouri. 
Jul 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and Indiana Fever forward Makayla Timpson (21) box out Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) for a rebound in the second half during the Commissioner's Cup final at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Jul 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) and Indiana Fever forward Makayla Timpson (21) box out Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) for a rebound in the second half during the Commissioner's Cup final at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

In the latest episode of her podcast "Show Me Something," Sophie Cunningham offered high praise for Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier and head coach Cheryl Reeve. Cunningham, who is sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season due to a knee injury, reflected on her long-standing rivalry with Collier, which dates back to their middle school days in Missouri when they played against each other. She described Collier as “probably the best player in our league” and commended her for having “everything in her bag.”

Collier’s Dominance and the Lynx’s Rise

As for Collier, her recent return from a three-week injury hiatus was nothing short of spectacular. She scored 32 points and grabbed nine rebounds in a win over the Indiana Fever, bringing her season average to 23.9 points per game. With the Lynx holding one of the league’s top records, Cunningham’s praise for Collier feels well-earned.

Sophie also praised the Lynx team as a unit. She called the team a stacked squad, applauding their motion offense, sharp ball movement, and depth. “They run a motion offense. Everyone on their floor can shoot, everyone cuts, everyone passes the ball, they make the simple pass, and the ball movement that they have is ridiculous. Like they are stacked,” she said, highlighting how their dynamic play makes them unpredictable and tough to defend. Cunningham’s insights underscore the Lynx’s ability to blend individual skill with team cohesion, creating a squad that can adapt to any challenge on the court.

Head coach Cheryl Reeve also got her flowers. Cunningham called Reeve a “genius” for her strategic approach to coaching, which has been key to the Lynx’s strong season despite any criticism Reeve has faced in the past. According to Cunningham, Reeve’s leadership is exactly what allows the team to maximize its talent and execute at a high level.

“I know people have opinions about Cheryl who that's their head coach, but dude, she is a genius when it comes to freaking being a head coach…like how they have stacked the team and it is a little bit more old school, but that's my type of vibe I think,” she said.

With their combination of elite talent, balanced roster depth, and Reeve’s strategic coaching, the Minnesota Lynx have the tools to compete with any team in the league — and to dominate. Cunningham’s comments highlight not just individual excellence but the Lynx’s ability to thrive as a cohesive unit, exactly what it takes to make a deep postseason run and perhaps vie for another championship.

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