Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever is facing a tough challenge following a tooth injury she sustained earlier this month, which now affects the way she enjoys everyday snacks. During the team’s break before their next game against the Chicago Sky, Cunningham shared on social media how this injury is impacting her ability to eat certain foods, especially fresh fruits, despite her ongoing cravings.
In a candid Instagram Story, Cunningham reflected on how she chipped her tooth in early June, an incident that has made biting into fruits like peaches difficult. Although her family continues to enjoy fresh produce, this injury puts limits on what she can safely eat without risking further damage.
“So, I bought a peach to try,” Cunningham said. “Remember when I got my tooth knocked out? Well, I wasn’t thinking. I can’t bite into that type of stuff. And so you can see that I try to bite into it, but I’m kind of thinking, do I just go for it? Like, this (teeth) isn’t even fully fixed yet.”
—Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever player
“The worst thing that could happen is the next eight days, I don’t have a front or two front teeth. And I might look and act a certain way, but deep down I could give two s**ts.”
—Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever player
The exact moment of Cunningham’s injury is unknown, though it is widely believed to have occurred during a collision with Connecticut Sun’s Jacy Sheldon on May 30. Cunningham first publicly revealed the injury before the Fever’s June 3 game against the Washington Mystics in a TikTok video captioned
“tell me you play in the W without telling me you play in the W.”
Sophie Cunningham Delivers Strong Performance Amid Team Challenges
While recovering from her tooth injury, Cunningham has continued to contribute to the Indiana Fever on the court. The team is currently engaged in a promotional partnership with Netflix’s Stranger Things, wearing themed jerseys in seven home games this season. During the opening game of this campaign on July 24 against the Las Vegas Aces, Cunningham stepped up in the absence of star player Caitlin Clark, who was sidelined due to a groin injury.
Starting in Clark’s place, Cunningham made a significant impact, scoring 15 points and grabbing three rebounds. Her shooting was particularly efficient, hitting 80% from the field and 75% beyond the arc. This performance helped the Fever secure an 80–70 win over the Aces, ending a two-game losing streak at a critical point in the season.
The Broader Impact of Cunningham’s Injury and Future Outlook
Cunningham’s tooth injury sheds light on the physical risks athletes face both on and off the court, showing how even everyday activities can become challenging. Despite the pain and potential for further damage, Cunningham’s determination to continue playing and enjoying her food demonstrates her resilience. The next few weeks will be crucial for her recovery, as the team prepares for upcoming matchups including their game against the Chicago Sky.
Her ability to perform well in Caitlin Clark’s absence also highlights Cunningham’s value to the Indiana Fever roster, suggesting she could play a major role moving forward as the team navigates injuries and intense competition throughout the season.