Sophie Cunningham’s 43.2% three-point shooting puts her firmly in the Sixth Player of the Year conversation

Sophie Cunningham may not command the same spotlight as some of the WNBA’s biggest stars, but her impact for the Indiana Fever has been hard to miss. The veteran guard has embraced a reserve role while delivering efficient scoring and tough defense. With the regular season nearing its end, Indiana is making a clear case for Cunningham to receive serious consideration for Sixth Player of the Year.Sophie Cunningham’s numbers strengthen her Sixth Player of the Year caseCunningham’s value starts with how much she produces in limited time. She is averaging 8.6 points per game while playing 22.7 minutes a night, giving Indiana a reliable scoring option whenever she checks into the game.The numbers become more impressive when shooting efficiency enters the picture. Cunningham is shooting a career-best 46.9% from the field this season. Her work from beyond the arc has been even more notable.She is hitting 43.2% of her three-point attempts, a mark that ranks second in the WNBA this season. That is a major improvement from her career average of 38.1%.For a player coming off the bench, those percentages can change the feel of a game quickly. Cunningham does not need a high volume of shots to make an impact. When opportunities arrive, she has shown an ability to make them count.Her physical approach also adds another layer to her role. Cunningham has built a reputation as a hard-nosed player, and that edge has helped her become a popular figure among Fever fans.Indiana has noticed the overall package and has openly promoted her award case."Soph for 6th Player of the Year 💯," the Fever wrote on X.Indiana Fever lean on Sophie Cunningham’s experienceCunningham’s current run also reflects the value of experience. Selected in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Missouri, she spent her first six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury before returning to Indiana for her second stint with the Fever.That journey has helped her understand how to contribute without needing to dominate possessions. A reserve player often has to enter a game cold, find a rhythm quickly and provide energy without disrupting the team’s flow. Cunningham has settled into that challenge.Her shooting has been the headline, but her defensive toughness matters just as much. Indiana can turn to her when it needs another physical presence, particularly during stretches when the game becomes more intense.The timing could prove important. With the postseason approaching, the Fever need dependable contributors beyond their primary scorers. Cunningham’s ability to knock down threes while competing defensively gives Indiana another useful piece for the playoff push.The Sixth Player of the Year race will ultimately come down to how voters weigh production, efficiency and influence. Cunningham may not have the largest scoring totals among contenders, but her efficiency gives her case a distinct angle.She has made the most of her minutes, produced career-best shooting numbers and embraced the role Indiana has asked her to play. Now, with the Fever publicly campaigning for her, Cunningham has a chance to turn a quietly strong season into one of the WNBA’s most rewarding individual honors.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.