Sophie Cunningham Turns Recovery Into Comedy After Season-Ending Knee Surgery — Fans Can’t Stop Watching Her “Leg Trick” Video

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham may be sidelined for the rest of the 2025 season, but she’s proving she hasn’t lost her sense of humor.

The 28-year-old guard underwent season-ending knee surgery after tearing her right MCL during an August 17 matchup against the Connecticut Sun. The injury happened in the second quarter when Sun guard Bria Hartley collided with Cunningham while driving to the basket. Cunningham immediately clutched her knee and screamed in pain, before being helped off the court by medical staff.

The Fever later confirmed that Cunningham would be out for the remainder of the season, though doctors expect her to make a full recovery.

Finding Humor in Hardship

While most players in her situation might retreat from the spotlight, Cunningham has chosen to keep fans entertained. In a lighthearted Instagram video posted during her recovery, she showed off her flexibility — and her creativity.

Unable to move around easily, Cunningham extended her left leg to grab a tray of Chips Ahoy! cookies from her coffee table, captioning the post:

“Work smarter, not harder.”

The clip quickly went viral, with fans praising her ability to stay positive despite the tough setback.

A Crushing Blow for the Fever

Cunningham’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Indiana. The team has already been battling through a series of roster setbacks, including the prolonged absence of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark and season-ending injuries to Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson.

Cunningham had stepped up in Clark’s absence, carving out a larger role in the rotation. Across 30 games, she averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, and in recent weeks had become one of the Fever’s most reliable contributors.

Her presence on the floor was especially valuable during August, where she averaged 12.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game (excluding the contest in which she was injured). That improvement was critical in keeping Indiana competitive in a packed Eastern Conference playoff race.

Filling the Gap

With Cunningham sidelined, the Fever have been forced to regroup once again. The team quickly released guard Kyra Lambert, who had been signed on a hardship contract, and brought in veteran Shey Peddy to provide stability and experience in the backcourt.

Still, the loss of Cunningham leaves a significant hole, both in terms of production and leadership. Her gritty style of play and willingness to take on tough defensive assignments made her a fan favorite in her first season with Indiana.

Looking Ahead

Although her first season with the Fever ended prematurely, Cunningham remains upbeat. Her recovery timeline suggests she’ll be ready for training camp next year, and her positive attitude on social media shows she’s not letting the injury define her.

For Indiana, the challenge is surviving the rest of the season without her contributions. With Clark’s return still uncertain, the Fever’s playoff hopes hang by a thread.

For fans, though, Cunningham’s video was a reminder of why she’s so beloved. Even in tough moments, she finds ways to make people smile — whether by hitting clutch shots on the court or pulling off a “cookie grab” trick from her couch.