Mystics’ Rough Tactics Backfire as Sophie Cunningham Leads Indiana Fever to Stunning Preseason Win Without Caitlin Clark

In a preseason game that quickly turned from a routine tune-up into a statement of intent, the Indiana Fever showcased a new identity—one built on resilience, toughness, and unity. The Fever’s dramatic overtime victory over the Washington Mystics, achieved without rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, was powered by Sophie Cunningham’s fiery response to physical play and a collective refusal to be bullied. The story of this game is about more than the final score; it’s about the emergence of a new team culture and a warning to the rest of the WNBA.

Caitlin Clark Sidelined, Fever Face Early Adversity

The anticipation leading up to the Indiana Fever’s preseason opener was tinged with uncertainty. News broke shortly before tipoff that Caitlin Clark, the franchise’s new face and one of the most talked-about rookies in basketball, would miss her first game in five years due to tightness in her left leg. Head coach Stephanie White made the prudent decision to prioritize Clark’s long-term health, especially with a demanding WNBA season ahead. The move left the Fever vulnerable, with fans and analysts alike questioning how the team would respond without their star guard.

The answer, at first, was not encouraging. The Mystics pounced on Indiana’s sluggish start, establishing a 15-point lead in the first half. The Fever’s offense sputtered, and their defense seemed unable to match Washington’s aggression. But as the game wore on, a new narrative began to take shape—one that would define the evening.

Physical Play Sparks Fever’s Competitive Fire

The Mystics’ approach was clear: set the tone physically and test the Fever’s resolve. The game’s intensity escalated midway through the first half when rookie Kiki Iriafen delivered a flagrant foul on Sophie Cunningham, violently throwing her to the court in a play that looked more like a wrestling move than basketball. The arena gasped, and for a moment, it seemed the Fever might wilt under the pressure.

Instead, Cunningham’s response was electric. She sprang to her feet, confronted Iriafen, and let her competitive fire show. The officials reviewed the play and assessed a flagrant one foul, but the moment had already shifted the game’s momentum. Rather than being intimidated, Cunningham and the Fever grew more determined. The Mystics’ physical tactics, meant to unsettle Indiana, only served to unite and energize the Fever roster.

Unexpected Heroes Step Up

With Clark out, the Fever needed others to step up. Lexie Hull answered the call, coming off the bench with a burst of energy. Her hustle on both ends of the floor disrupted Washington’s offense, as she collected four steals and added 13 key points. Hull’s confidence was palpable, her willingness to attack the basket and shoot from range helping to close the gap before halftime.

Cunningham, meanwhile, channeled the aggression directed at her into a career-defining performance. She finished with 21 points on 6-of-11 shooting, including 7-of-8 from the free-throw line, and grabbed eight rebounds. Her relentless effort, especially after being targeted by the Mystics, set the tone for the entire team. Every time Washington tried to rattle her with another hard foul—most notably from Brittney Sykes—Cunningham seemed to grow stronger, responding with clutch baskets and vocal leadership.

A New Identity for Indiana Fever

The Fever’s comeback was about more than just scoring runs; it was about attitude. Veteran additions like Cunningham and Dana Bonner brought a toughness that had been missing in previous seasons. When Cunningham was bodyslammed, Bonner was quick to confront the Mystics, signaling a new culture of accountability and protection within the team.

Coach White praised Cunningham’s “dog” mentality—a basketball compliment for players who combine skill with relentless fight. Cunningham’s energy was infectious, raising the level of play for her teammates whether she was on the court or the bench. The Fever’s defensive intensity picked up, and their offensive movement improved, with players cutting, sharing the ball, and attacking the rim with renewed purpose.

By halftime, the Fever had cut the deficit to three points. The second half was a dogfight, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops. The Mystics’ early confidence began to waver as Indiana refused to back down, forcing overtime in front of more than 12,000 energized fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Overtime Heroics and a Statement Win

In overtime, Sophie Cunningham delivered the knockout blows. She scored crucial baskets, sank pressure free throws, and anchored the Fever’s defense. The Mystics, who had tried to use physical intimidation as a weapon, found themselves outmatched by Indiana’s spirit and execution. When the final buzzer sounded, the Fever had secured a 96-90 victory—a result that resonated far beyond the preseason standings.

The postgame scene was telling. Mystics players, frustrated and perhaps embarrassed by the reversal of fortunes, walked straight to the locker room without shaking hands. The Fever, meanwhile, celebrated a win that symbolized the birth of a new era. Cunningham credited the home crowd as the “sixth man,” noting how their energy fueled the comeback and made Gainbridge Fieldhouse a place opponents would dread visiting.

The Fever Aren’t Just Caitlin Clark’s Team Anymore

This game marked a turning point for Indiana. Last season, the Fever were seen as a team that could be pushed around. This year, they’ve added veterans who refuse to be bullied and who will stand up for themselves and their teammates. The message to the rest of the WNBA is clear: try to intimidate Indiana at your own risk.

Coach White emphasized the fundamentals that underpinned the victory—defense, effort, and free-throw shooting. The Fever hit 27-of-28 from the line (96.4%), a testament to their focus and poise under pressure. Their defense held firm even when the offense struggled, allowing them to claw back from a double-digit deficit and finish strong.

Looking Ahead: A Team Transformed

The Fever’s preseason win over the Mystics was more than just a game—it was a declaration. With Caitlin Clark soon to return, Indiana now boasts a roster filled with heart, toughness, and a collective identity. Sophie Cunningham’s performance was the embodiment of this transformation: targeted, tested, and ultimately triumphant.

For Fever fans, the message is one of hope and excitement. For opponents, it’s a warning. The Indiana Fever are no longer a team to be bullied. They have the talent, the attitude, and the unity to compete with anyone in the WNBA. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on this revitalized squad—and on Sophie Cunningham, whose response to adversity has set the tone for what could be a breakthrough year in Indiana.