The Indiana Fever are starting to look like a team that could make real noise in the Eastern Conference. And the most telling sign might not be the final score of Tuesday’s 113-91 win over the Toronto Tempo — it’s what Kelsey Mitchell said about a teammate after the game.
Sophie Cunningham came off the bench and dropped 24 points, hitting six of seven from three-point range. But Mitchell’s description of her role cut deeper than the box score. “Sophie is like the glue stick to this team,” Mitchell told reporters, according to USA Sports. The comment was shared on X, formerly Twitter, and quickly circulated among fans who have watched Cunningham bring energy and edge all season.
Cunningham is in her eighth WNBA season, and she’s never been the biggest name on the roster. But what she brings — shooting, toughness, and a relentless push for execution — has become increasingly valuable as the Fever climb the standings. Mitchell’s phrasing wasn’t casual. It reflected something the locker room clearly values: a player who holds things together without needing the spotlight.
Why Cunningham’s Night Mattered Beyond the Points
Indiana got 27 points from Mitchell and 21 from Caitlin Clark, giving the Fever three players with 20 or more. That kind of balance has defined their current four-game winning streak. But Cunningham’s hot hand from deep — she missed only one three-point attempt all night — forced Toronto’s defense to stretch, which opened driving lanes and created rhythm for everyone else.
Her performance wasn’t just efficient; it was a reminder that the Fever have more weapons than just their star backcourt. Clark has drawn most of the attention since entering the league, and Mitchell has been a steady scoring presence for years. But when Cunningham plays like she did Tuesday, opposing defenses have to make a choice — and there’s no good one.
The Trust Factor in the Fever Locker Room
Mitchell’s comment about Cunningham being “the glue stick” wasn’t a throwaway line. It pointed to something less visible but just as important: chemistry. Teams on winning streaks often talk about trust, but hearing a veteran like Mitchell publicly define a teammate’s role in those terms suggests real cohesion. Cunningham pushes her teammates to finish possessions and maintain intensity, according to people close to the team. That kind of influence doesn’t always show up in stats.
The Fever improved to 9-5 with the win, positioning themselves within striking distance of the conference leaders. If Cunningham keeps producing off the bench at this level — and Mitchell keeps publicly affirming her — Indiana’s depth becomes a legitimate problem for opponents. One night won’t define a season, but Tuesday offered a clear look at what this team could become when all the pieces click.
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