Sophie Cunningham Details Indiana Fever’s Playoff Preparation and Reveals Preferred Matchup

As the Indiana Fever gear up for their first WNBA playoff appearance in nearly a decade, veteran guard Sophie Cunningham has opened up about the team’s mindset, preparation, and who she believes would be their most favorable opponent in the first round.

Despite being ruled out for the remainder of the season with an MCL injury, Cunningham remains closely involved with the team’s locker room energy and strategic focus. Known for her fearless attitude and veteran experience, she’s playing a leadership role even from the sidelines — offering guidance, supporting young stars, and speaking out about how the Fever are preparing for the league’s most competitive stage.’

In a recent episode of her podcast “Show Me Something”, Cunningham shared candid insights into the Fever’s playoff readiness, while also making headlines by naming the Atlanta Dream as the team’s ideal first-round opponent.

“I think we match up best with the Dream,” Cunningham said. “They’ve had an up-and-down season like us, and we split the series. It’s a clean matchup and one we’re confident in.”

Cunningham emphasized that while no playoff matchup is ever “easy,” the familiarity with Atlanta’s playing style and the comparable levels of postseason experience give Indiana an edge. The Fever and the Dream split their regular season series 2-2, each team winning once at home and once on the road — making it one of the most evenly matched potential pairings.

Beyond matchups, Cunningham also shed light on how the Fever are preparing without some of their key players, including rookie superstar Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined due to a groin injury.

“Not having Caitlin out there is tough. She’s brought so much to our team. But what’s impressed me is how everyone else has stepped up. Practices are intense. Film sessions are longer. The hunger is there,” Cunningham noted.

She also highlighted the contributions of players like Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, who have taken on expanded roles in the absence of both Clark and Cunningham.

“Kelsey’s been our rock. Aliyah has grown tremendously this season. It’s about trusting each other and playing Fever basketball — aggressive, disciplined, and together,” she said.

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Cunningham warned that playoff basketball is a different beast. She knows this from her previous postseason experience with the Phoenix Mercury.

“You can be the hottest team in the regular season, but if you don’t have that grit in the playoffs, it’s over quick. That’s what we’re working on — staying sharp mentally and physically, even with injuries.”

Though unable to contribute on the court for now, Cunningham’s leadership off the floor is proving just as valuable. Her openness about the team’s mindset and her strategic insight have added to the Fever’s growing confidence.

With the playoffs approaching, Indiana finds itself with something it hasn’t had in years: belief, momentum, and a shot at making real noise. And even from the bench, Cunningham is doing everything she can to help steer the team in the right direction.