Sophie Cunningham defends her stats amid political scrutiny before Fever game
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 23, 2026, 5:25 AM
Last updated Aug 23, 2026
Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever, addressed critics suggesting her recent political attention has impacted her performance. Before the Fever's game against the New York Liberty, she encouraged media to evaluate her stats, averaging 8.6 points this season. Despite becoming a symbol in the debate over trans athletes in women's sports, Cunningham insisted her play remains unaffected. Nonetheless, her scoring has dipped to 6.9 points per game in the last 12 contests, though her shooting percentage from three-point range has improved. The Fever recently halted a five-game win streak with consecutive losses, including one to the Liberty, where Cunningham scored 10 points.
- •Cunningham averages 8.6 points this season and has become a political symbol.
- •She scored 10 points against the Liberty, but the Fever lost.
- •Cunningham's scoring average has fallen to 6.9 points over the last 12 games.
- •The Fever's five-game win streak ended with losses to the Wings and Liberty.
- •Cunningham's shooting percentage from three has risen to 47.2% since her comments.
- 5:25 AMYahoo Sports — Sophie Cunningham tells everyone to ‘look at her stats’ to show politics isn’t affecting the Fever
"Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has defended herself from critics who believe the recent political attention she has received is affecting her play. Cunningham has averaged 8.
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