Sophie Cunningham had to put a full stop to the many fan theories suggesting that she and Caitlin Clark refused to follow head coach Stephanie White's instructions following Clark's game-winning three-pointer against the Washington Mystics.

Ironically, it was an Instagram post from Cunningham herself that ignited such discussions in the first place. She posted a mocked-up cartoon showing her and Clark talking to Coach White in the locker room.

“Didn’t follow the plan…won anyway,” the caption read, with the picture showing a smirking Cunningham shrugging her shoulders. “Love you Soph,” laughed Clark in the comment section. However, only a few realized that she was just joking, so the veteran guard had to clear the air on social media.

“You guys read too much into things,” Cunningham replied to a fan theory on X. “That’s THE EXACT play our coach drew up and we executed it perfectly!”

While Cunningham has gone on social media to clear all doubts, fans believe she is going back on her statements, as teammate Lexie Hull revealed an entirely different plan the Fever wanted to implement during the final possession against the Mystics.

“We were trying to draw a foul there,” Hull said on a radio interview.

“I think Caitlin’s a great basketball player. She made a read. Sophie was able to deliver a perfect pass to her. She knocked it down when it mattered. I can’t say that’s exactly what we drew up, but it worked. So we’ll take it any day of the week.”

The main reason surrounding the discourse comes from Caitlin Clark fans, who believe White has been unsuccessful in using the 24-year-old's strengths.

Indiana Fever Fans Not Liking What White is Bringing to the Table

Throughout the season, and especially after the infamous squabble between Clark and White on the sidelines against the Portland Fire, fans have expressed discontent with White's job this year.

Fans feel White's unable to maximize Clark with her system, which is different from how the Iowa star has played before. Indiana is flirting with a .500 record through 11 games, which hasn’t helped White’s case.

Nonetheless, Cunningham’s defense of White highlights the close dynamics within the locker room among coaches and players, regardless of external perceptions.

But rather than addressing fan theories, the Fever soon needs to get a grip to win games consistently and more efficiently, as Clark has not been at her usual best to bail the Fever out at all times.

The game-winning three-pointer against the Mystics is just the right amount of momentum the Fever needed to get things going for them again, as they aim to defend their Commissioner's Cup crown this year.

The Fever next face an even more inconsistent Chicago Sky team, as they look to get a few wins to climb back up the Eastern Conference.

Amidst all rumors and controversies, do you feel the Indiana Fever can defend their in-season tournament title this time around? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy