Sophie Cunningham Emerges as “Goddess and Hero” as Indiana Fever Upset Las Vegas Aces 80–70

In a defining home win on July 24, 2025, the injury‑plagued Indiana Fever stunned the Las Vegas Aces 80–70 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Sophie Cunningham stealing the show in Caitlin Clark’s continued absence. Fans at the game and across social media christened Cunningham their “goddess and hero,” propelling the Fever to a 13–12 record and placing them 2.5 games clear of the playoff cutline.

A Balanced Team Effort

With Clark sidelined due to a right groin injury and no timetable for her return, the Fever leaned on their depth. Kelsey Mitchell poured in a team-high 21 points, while Natasha Howard delivered her sixth double-double of the season with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Aliyah Boston added 13 points and 10 boards, giving Indiana a powerful frontcourt presence throughout the night.

The Las Vegas Aces struggled from beyond the arc, making just 2 of 15 three-pointers (13.3%), while the Fever hit 11 of 23 (47.8%) from deep—a key factor in turning the tide late.

Cunningham’s Spark

Starting in place of Clark, Sophie Cunningham came alive: 4-for-5 overall shooting, including 3-for-4 from three-point range, tallying 15 points and three rebounds with one steal. She began with five first-quarter points and drew early fouls, yet stayed disciplined and impactful throughout the game.

Her two clutch triples in the third quarter helped fuel a pivotal 27–15 run that erased L.A.’s lead and put Indiana ahead 62–56 heading into the fourth. Late free throws from Cunningham sealed the comeback, as the Aces failed to score in the final 94 seconds.

Fans Demand More

The game ignited a wave of fan fervor. On social media, supporters urged the Fever coaching staff to reward Cunningham with more shooting opportunities. Messages ranged from “Exactly get her more looks” to declarations like:

“@sophie_cham is our Goddess and hero”

Her emergence comes as a timely reminder that Indiana can compete without its star point guard—if other players rise up.

Playoff Picture and Without Clark

The victory bumped the Fever into sixth in the league standings, 2.5 games above the Los Angeles Sparks, the team currently sitting on the playoff bubble. With Clark out for at least 12 games this season due to recurring groin and quad injuries, Indiana must navigate the stretch run relying on shared leadership and balanced production.

What This Win Means

This road-blocking performance against a quality Aces squad—and a clear statement by bench and role players—signals growing depth and cohesion under coach Stephanie White. When healthy, the Fever remain a threat; tonight, they proved they’re more than one player. Natasha Howard, Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Sophie Cunningham all stepped into roles they’ve earned, pushing Indiana to a critical early-season victory.

This boosted confidence off a home court win may prove vital as the Fever strive for postseason positioning—and as Cunningham continues to build trust with fans who clearly see her as a rising force.