Sophie Cunningham on Indiana Fever vs. Las Vegas Aces, Shutting Down A’ja Wilson, WNBA Playoffs

As the WNBA playoffs intensify, veteran guard Sophie Cunningham has emerged as one of the most outspoken voices on how to compete with the defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Speaking ahead of Indiana’s pivotal matchup, Cunningham broke down what she sees from the Fever’s approach and what it really takes to slow down MVP candidate A’ja Wilson when everything is on the line.

Cunningham, who has built a reputation in Phoenix for hard-nosed defense and unfiltered analysis, praised Indiana’s youthful energy but stressed the need for discipline. “They’re fearless,” she said in a media session. “Kelsey Mitchell, NaLyssa Smith, Lexie Hull – they’re attacking, they’re running, and they’re making the Aces work. But when you’re facing A’ja Wilson in a playoff environment, every rotation has to be sharp. One slip and she makes you pay.”

The Fever opened their semifinal series with a clear emphasis on collapsing the paint and forcing Wilson into early kick-outs. For stretches it worked: Wilson was held to just four points in the first half of Game 3 before exploding down the stretch. Cunningham said the challenge is maintaining that intensity without burning out. “It’s not just about doubling A’ja,” she explained. “It’s about bumping her off her spots, tagging in transition, and then scrambling out to shooters like Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. That’s 40 minutes of commitment.”

She also noted that Indiana’s youth can be both a blessing and a liability. “They don’t have scar tissue from losing to the Aces, so they’re fearless,” Cunningham said. “But that inexperience shows when Las Vegas goes on a run. You’ve got to stay aggressive and keep trusting the game plan.”

The Fever’s coaching staff under Stephanie White has tried multiple looks: switching between man-to-man, zone, and even a box-and-one to disrupt Wilson’s rhythm. Cunningham thinks that variety is essential. “You can’t give a player of her caliber the same diet,” she said. “If you’re predictable, she’ll figure it out by the second quarter.”

Beyond X’s and O’s, Cunningham emphasized the mental aspect of playoff basketball. “The Aces are a championship team; they’ve been there, done that,” she said. “Indiana has to match their composure. You can’t let a bad call or a quick run snowball. That’s how Las Vegas beats you — they smell blood.”

Still, Cunningham believes the Fever’s core is learning fast and has the tools to push the series deeper. “Mitchell can score with anyone. Hull spaces the floor. Smith’s physicality inside is huge,” she said. “If they can execute and hit timely shots, they’re capable of stealing a game.”

Her bottom line: stopping A’ja Wilson is never just one defender’s job. “It’s five players connected, every possession,” Cunningham said. “If Indiana keeps that mindset, they’ll give themselves a chance.”

For the Fever, that chance could define their season — and offer a glimpse of a team on the rise even while facing the league’s most dominant force.