Sophie Cunningham received a warm reception from Phoenix Mercury fans on Thursday as she returned to the team’s home court following an offseason trade from the Indiana Fever. Before the game, the Mercury paid tribute to Cunningham with a highlight video, and the crowd applauded, showing their appreciation for her six years in Phoenix.
However, Cunningham’s return didn’t go as planned for Indiana, which suffered a heavy 95-60 defeat, marking their second loss in three days. Despite the loss, Cunningham led her team with 18 points, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field including five three-pointers, along with two rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes—one of her best performances in a Fever jersey.
After the game, Cunningham was candid about her feelings on returning to Phoenix, saying, “AZ was good for me, but I’m much happier where I am now. It was great to see the fans, but I’m much happier in Indiana.” Although she spent six years with the Mercury, her short six-month tenure with the Fever has evidently brought her greater contentment.
Looking ahead, Cunningham and her team have the opportunity to bounce back quickly as they host the Chicago Sky on Saturday after a tough four-game road trip. With the Sky struggling this season and missing key player Angel McCoughtry, Indiana is favored to secure a victory at home.
Fan Take: Sophie Cunningham’s move and her honest remarks highlight the shifting dynamics in the WNBA and player happiness beyond just tenure. This is important for fans as it underscores how player satisfaction can impact performance and team chemistry, playing a key role in the league’s evolving competitiveness and appeal.
