Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham showcased impressive scoring prowess during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Storm, earning herself the fresh nickname “Firecracker.” Her season-best 17 points played a key role in the Fever’s 78-74 victory on the road, highlighting her growing impact this season.

Known previously as “The Enforcer” for her fearless defense and willingness to protect teammates like Caitlin Clark, Cunningham’s new moniker recognizes her ability to ignite the offense with sharp shooting and relentless energy.

A Veteran Teammate’s Tribute: Natasha Howard Names Cunningham “Firecracker”

The nickname did not come from fans but was instead bestowed by veteran Indiana Fever player Natasha Howard. After the close win in Seattle, Howard praised Cunningham in a social media post, emphasizing team unity and mutual support.

We step up for each other,

Howard wrote.

We don’t stress over who night it is we are all there to win, that’s how we repay each other. That’s why I love for the world to see everyone on our bench is good. We enjoy fighting & have each others back.

— Natasha Howard

Howard also expressed her pride directly to Cunningham:

Sophie (our firecracker) I’m proud of you,

highlighting the respect and camaraderie within the team. Howard herself led the scoring with 21 points in the game.

Cunningham’s fearless demeanor, vocal presence on her podcast, and sharp shooting ability perfectly align with the “Firecracker” image, reflecting her multifaceted influence on and off the court.

Three-Point Accuracy Drives Fever’s Victory

Cunningham’s shooting was remarkably efficient against Seattle, especially from beyond the arc where the Fever struggled overall. She scored 17 points while playing 33 minutes, converting 5 of 6 field goals including 4 of 5 three-pointers, and hitting 3 of 4 free throws.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Fever lineup failed to sink any three-pointers, going a combined 0-for-17 in the game from deep range.

this duo was cookin’ ♨️Sophie Cunningham and Natasha Howard came up huge, combining for 38 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/C4c9oRXEDS

— Indiana Fever

Cunningham’s contribution extended beyond scoring. According to Indiana center Aliyah Boston, many of her own 16 points were created thanks to Cunningham drawing defensive attention away on the perimeter.

Whether through physical play, stifling defense, or clutch shooting, Cunningham’s versatile game makes her a valuable asset and a difficult matchup for opponents.

The Emerging Role and Impact of Cunningham’s “Firecracker” Persona

Sophie Cunningham’s new nickname captures her dynamic style and growing leadership within the Fever squad. Each game, she brings different strengths—sometimes it is her tenacity, sometimes her shooting, or often a combination of both—that energize the team.

Her nickname reflects not only her scoring ability but also her fierce competitiveness and vocal presence, traits any team would find invaluable. As the season progresses, Cunningham’s “Firecracker” identity is likely to become even more prominent, signaling her rising star in the WNBA.