Video Recap: Fever win in OT without Caitlin Clark | Sophie Cunningham shines in preseason debut
The Fever opened preseason play with a gritty overtime win against the Mystics. Caitlin Clark sat out, but newcomer Sophie Cunningham led the way with 21 points and 8 rebounds.
After a significant offseason overhaul by the Indiana Fever, Saturday's exhibition game was the first chance to see what this new group, including a new coaching staff, has in store for this new era.
Stephanie White is back leading the team and defense is a major emphasis. The goal is to be a powerhouse at both ends of the floor — and not just on offense.
The Fever needed an extra session to beat the Mystics, 79-74. They sank six free throws in the final 90 seconds to force overtime, then they outscored the Mystics 8-3 in OT.
“I liked our aggressiveness,” White said postgame. “I liked the fact that we picked up pretty much 94 feet, that they didn't get anything easy. It's not often that you come out with a win in a game where you shoot 30% from the floor — and I felt like our defense really held, gave us an opportunity to get back in the game, gave us an opportunity to finish the game.
“We will evaluate certain lineups and the different things that we did. But most importantly, I felt like we competed at a really high level on that end of the floor.”
Caitlin Clark was held out due to tightness in her left leg — but nothing serious. That didn't keep her from coaching, supporting, and jumping up and down in celebration.
Offseason acquisition Sophie Cunningham led the Fever with 21 points, eight rebounds, and a jolt of energy off the bench. They shot 30% as a team, but won the game because they finished 27 of 28 at the free throw line.
“Sophie's a dog. She just is, she's a competitor,” said White.
Added Kelsey Mitchell: “Sophie's that wild card, man. Her and Lexie (Hull) together. I think their energy, when I talk about effort defensively and just figuring it out and having a willingness, that's Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull. They do an unbelievable job of just being present, being where they need to be, taking the necessary play. That kind of stuff you can't teach. And I think that's how you win games.”
Hull, the No. 6 pick in 2022 by the Fever, contributed 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 33 minutes.
The recap includes comments from Clark, White, Cunningham, and Mitchell.
Now… I’m off to Iowa City to provide you with full coverage of Clark’s special day back in her home state — and playing alma mater. “Just a little tightness,” she said pregame.
“She had a lot of progress in the last 24 hours,” White added. “And that was our goal. Our goal was to see how she progresses every day. We'll see what happens and see how she feels after the workouts that she went through today. And then hopefully she'll be ready to go tomorrow.”