The Indiana Fever lost the ninth game of the season, keeping them in seventh place in the league standings. What’s more disturbing about the loss? The loss at home, with the worst scoring performance in the season, and the return of Caitlin Clark could not help the side much. Forward Sophie Cunningham pitched in with her views on what change the side will look forward to with CC back in the lineup.
Talking to the media after the practice session, the former Mercury star pointed out the approach her side needs with the Iowa star in the rotation. She also mentioned players’ frustration with the recent losses, but will look to get ready for the following challenges.
Sophie Cunningham Simplifies Change In Tactics With Caitlin Clark’s Return
The Indiana Fever’s 2024 Rookie of the Year missed 10 games in the 2025 season. That’s nearly half of the season her side has played so far. More importantly, her breaks were in two phases, not allowing the team to adjust to her return or even her absence.
The team held a 5-5 record with their primary playmaker out of rotation. Even though that’s a good sign for any team, most of their wins were against lower-ranked sides. The 23-year-old guard is now back in the lineup, and Cunningham spoke about CC’s return and the changes her side needs to make in the upcoming games.
“When Cait was hurt, our offense was clicking. But now we must have a new offense when she’s in there because she just brings that much to the game. And so, we have to adjust. I think what we can hang our hat on is not getting outworked. Making sure that we’re the aggressors, making sure that we’re getting on boards, controlling what we can control. And I think we need to do a better job at that. And if we can do that, I think stuff offensively will open up for us.” Cunningham told the media after the training session.
Clark is one of the top playmakers in the WNBA. The 2024 league assists leader is still racking up over eight assists per game. As the 28-year-old forward mentioned, matching her gameplay and opening up the plays, playing aggressively will undoubtedly help the side at the offensive end of the floor.
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Caitlin Clark Must Take Charge Of Offensively Explosive Lineup
The Indiana Fever has its 2024 core intact for the ongoing season. The addition of Sophie Cunningham, Natasha Howard, and now Aari McDonald upped the quality at both ends of the floor. With so many aggressive and elite scorers in the lineup, fans are baffled by their offensive struggles.
CC, in particular, had been an effective and influential star for the Iowa and Fever teams. Her playmaking, passing, and scoring prowess defined the team’s offensive flow. The guard needs to pull her socks up and take the lead at the offensive end. On the individual front, the star rookie also needs better shot selections to be effective on the floor.
Fever’s offense improved in the second half of the 2024 season. Players were constantly making moves and creating spaces for one another. Stephanie White might have to reconsider her offensive game plan, as the postseason is not far away.
Also Read: WNBA Commissioner Delivers Candid Take On The “Caitlin Clark Effect”