The Fever star took a blow to the face in her eventful return to Phoenix.
Sophie Cunningham’s Physical Appearance Draws Attention During Indiana Fever Game originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham had an eventful game in many ways in her return to PHX Arena on Thursday night — and fans could not help but notice that she paid the price.
The Fever got blown out 95-60 by her former WNBA team, the Phoenix Mercury. Cunningham spent the first six seasons of her professional career in Phoenix, where she averaged 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists over 182 games.
Fans Notice Sophie Cunningham's Black Eye During Fever Game
At some point in the second half, the punishment Cunningham took from her former teammates during the game became visible on her face. She got a souvenir to take back with her to Indianapolis under her right eye.
What happen to Sophie Cuningham? @IndianaFever@sophaller#Fevers#IndianaFeverpic.twitter.com/BVyoL2ifzp
— Logan Jenkins (@LoganJe1966) August 8, 2025
"So Sophie's got a black eye??" asked an X user.
"Are the announcers just gonna ignore Sophie Cunningham's black eye??" said another.
"Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham is a fighter," admired one fan. "Black eye, busted lip, still fighting."
Others wondered when and how and why it happened, but there was no clear incident that led to the mark on her eye.
She did have several scrappy moments with her former Mercury teammates, including forward DeWanna Bonner, who was waived by the Fever in June.
Things getting chippy out there after this Sophie/Bonner play👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/DUHse0nO1c
— AK (@Sudharsan_AK10) August 8, 2025
Fever vs. Mercury Game Recap
Cunningham made five 3-pointers and led the Fever with 18 points on Thursday, but that is not all.
- New season high — Cunningham's 18 points were a season high. Her career high is 36 points.
- Mixed crowd reception — The Mercury made a tribute video for Cunningham's return. She was cheered at the beginning of the game but faced some boos later on.
- Injuries strike Fever — Cunningham did not start the second half (but did return to the game) because of a minor left ankle issue. Fever guard Sydney Colson was forced to exit the game with a non-contact injury. Caitlin Clark missed her ninth straight game with a right groin injury.
- Alyssa Thomas makes history — The Phoenix star assisted her fiancée, Bonner, to complete an 18-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. Thomas became the first player in WNBA history to record three consecutive triple-doubles.
What's Next for Indiana Fever?
It was Indiana's second straight loss, dropping the Fever to 17-14 on the season. They are 9-9 without Clark.
Thursday's defeat drops the Fever 2.5 games behind the fourth-place Mercury (19-11) in the WNBA standings. They still have a 2-game cushion over the Golden State Valkyries (14-15) for the eighth and final playoff position.
Cunningham will have two days to heal up before the Fever take on the Chicago Sky on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.
Related: Sophie Cunningham Earns New Nickname After Fever-Storm Game
Related: Indiana Fever Suffer Injury Blow During Phoenix Mercury Game With Caitlin Clark Out
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
