Sophie Cunningham’s birthday outfit turns heads before clutch Fever win

Sophie Cunningham’s birthday outfit turns heads before clutch Fever win originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Sophie Cunningham made sure her 30th birthday started in style. The Indiana Fever guard showed off a head-turning pregame outfit before Sunday’s matchup against the Atlanta Dream, adding a fashionable opening to an already special day.

“Birthday hoops on the way for Sophie Cunningham,” the Fever wrote on X.

Cunningham eventually made her presence felt on the court, too. Her only basket came during one of Indiana’s biggest moments in a dramatic 95-91 overtime victory. With the Fever trailing 77-75 late in the fourth quarter, Cunningham drove to the basket, finished through contact and converted the ensuing free throw. Her three-point play briefly put Indiana ahead and helped keep the Fever alive during a tense finish.

Cunningham Receives Perfect Birthday Gift

Cunningham finished with three points in nearly 32 minutes, but Indiana relied on her defense, toughness and experience throughout the important Eastern Conference matchup.

birthday hoops on the way for Sophie Cunningham 🎂🎉 pic.twitter.com/Qi9jvY8q76

— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) August 16, 2026

Kelsey Mitchell later made a game-tying 3-pointer before Atlanta missed three opportunities on its final possession of regulation. Makayla Timpson took over in overtime, scoring Indiana’s first three field goals of the extra period and finishing with a career-high 20 points. Caitlin Clark added 26 points and nine assists, while Mitchell reached 20 points for the 19th consecutive game.

MORE: Dick Vitale’s three-word Caitlin Clark description says it all

The win improved Indiana to 23-12 and extended its winning streak to four games. The Fever also strengthened their grip on fourth place, which would provide home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.

Cunningham entered the arena dressed for her birthday celebration. She left Atlanta with one clutch play and the present she wanted most: another Fever victory.

Indiana is on the road Tuesday in Toronto, as they will take on the Tempo.

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