Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham sustained a significant right knee injury during the August 17 game against the Connecticut Sun, raising concerns about the severity and nature of the damage. The incident has drawn considerable attention as Cunningham was sidelined after the injury, prompting an expert to evaluate the possible implications for her season.
Details of the Injury Incident During the Fever vs. Sun Game
The injury occurred in the first half when Cunningham was defending Sun player Bria Hartley. As Hartley was falling while passing the ball, her body rolled onto the outside of Cunningham’s knee, causing immediate pain. Cunningham reacted by grasping her knee and attempting to continue moving briefly, but soon fell to the baseline, unable to bear weight. After receiving initial treatment from Fever staff, Cunningham left for the locker room and did not return for the remainder of the contest.
Fever head coach Stephanie White addressed the media following the game but confirmed no definitive diagnosis was available. She stated that Cunningham would undergo an MRI on Monday to better assess the injury’s extent and provide further clarity.
Medical Expert’s Perspective on Possible Injuries
Dr. Brian Sutterer, a sports injury physician known for analyzing athlete injuries, reviewed Cunningham’s injury in a video published on August 17. He examined the mechanics of how Hartley‘s fall impacted Cunningham’s knee and considered a range of potential damage.
Sutterer indicated that although the mechanism could cause an ACL tear, he views this as less likely due to the angle and nature of the impact. Instead, he focused on the possibility of an MCL injury, which is located on the inner knee, opposite where Hartley fell. Because the force stretched the inside of Cunningham’s knee, Sutterer suggested a torn or strained MCL might be the more probable injury.
Additionally, Sutterer raised the possibility of a kneecap dislocation, emphasizing,
“Definitely something we have to keep in mind here.”
—Brian Sutterer, Sports Injury Expert
He summarized that the most likely scenarios are an MCL injury or a kneecap dislocation, both of which can result in severe discomfort and extended time away from play. However, he also stressed the limitations of his assessment without medical imaging and cautioned that his opinion could not definitively determine Cunningham’s condition.
What This Means for Cunningham and the Fever Moving Forward
The potential injuries suggested—MCL damage or kneecap dislocation—carry serious implications for Cunningham’s ability to return this season. Both require time for healing and rehabilitation, making it possible that Cunningham could miss several weeks or the remainder of the campaign depending on MRI findings.
With Cunningham being a key player for the Indiana Fever, her absence would impact the team’s defensive strategies and overall performance as they contend through the rest of the schedule. The Fever staff, led by coach Stephanie White, will await MRI results to finalize treatment plans and update on Cunningham’s recovery timeline. Fans and analysts alike remain anxious for clarity on this frustrating and painful setback.