Full Breakdown
Clark and Cunningham Absent from Fever Practice Ahead of Aces Showdown
7/1/2026, 2:31:40 PM
Practice Absences
- On June 30, Indiana Fever held the first team practice of the Commissioner’s Cup break. Guard Caitlin Clark (22) did not join the team portion because she is recovering from a back injury sustained on June 24 against the Phoenix Mercury. Guard Sophie Cunningham (8) was absent due to an illness, as confirmed by head coach Stephanie White. Both players were permitted to conduct individual workouts.
Background & Context
Clark missed the June 24 contest and the subsequent game against the Los Angeles Sparks, marking her second missed game of the season. The Fever have an extended break before their next game on July 5 in Las Vegas, providing additional recovery time. Cunningham, a veteran averaging 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists while shooting 49.1% from the field, had contributed nine points in a recent win over the Sparks.
Data & Statistics
Fever record: 11-8, third place in the Eastern Conference, one game behind the Atlanta Dream. Clark’s season averages: 21.2 points, 8.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds. Cunningham’s shooting: 49.1% field-goal, 41.7% three-point. Harris’s recent performance: 16 points in 30 minutes against the Sparks.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach White confirmed that Clark is limited to individual workouts as part of her rehab. Mitchell emphasized the need to integrate backup guard Tyasha Harris and outlined the specific support she requires. The team’s practice update noted that both Cunningham and Clark were absent from the team session, with other players such as Damiris Dantas receiving individual treatment.
Criticism & Opposition
Cunningham said she was upset by how other teams treated Clark’s injury, reflecting disagreement over the league’s handling.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree on the causes, but do not detail the seriousness or expected duration of Cunningham’s illness, leaving uncertainty for the July 5 game.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She's going to be doing an individual workout today,” — Stephanie White
- “Implementation of other pieces, like Ty,” — Kelsey Mitchell
- “Just figure out what Ty kind of needs. [That] she stays a lot of our process,” — Kelsey Mitchell
- “No practice today for Sophie Cunningham (illness) and Caitlin Clark (back). Fever with their first of 4 days of practice during the Commissioner’s Cup break. Damiris Dantas also getting some individual treatment.” — Tony East
What’s Next
The Fever travel to Las Vegas for the July 5 matchup against the Aces. Monitoring will continue on Clark’s back recovery, while Harris is expected to assume a larger role if Clark remains unavailable. The team aims to field a full roster for the game, pending health updates.
