“Cunningham Claims Indiana Fever Players Have Targets on Their Backs as Rival Teams Step Up Physicality and Intensity”

The Indiana Fever have been at the center of WNBA conversations all season long, and according to veteran forward Sophie Cunningham, there’s a clear reason why the spotlight—and the pressure—keeps following them. Cunningham recently claimed that every player wearing an Indiana Fever jersey has a target on their back, and the growing intensity from opposing teams has only reinforced her belief.

The Fever, led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, have become one of the most discussed teams in professional sports. With Clark’s arrival came unprecedented media coverage, massive fan attendance increases, and a wave of excitement that has reignited interest in the WNBA on a global scale. But with fame comes scrutiny, and as Cunningham pointed out, opposing teams are playing the Fever with noticeable physicality and determination, eager to disrupt their rhythm and capitalize on the team’s inexperience.

“It’s real. There’s a target on every Indiana Fever player’s back,” Cunningham stated bluntly in a recent interview. “People want to make a statement when they play us because of the attention we bring to every arena. Every game feels like a playoff game.”

The Fever’s season has been a mix of ups and downs as the young squad navigates heightened expectations, media pressure, and the challenge of molding raw talent into a cohesive unit. Despite their struggles in the win-loss column, Indiana’s games have consistently drawn sold-out crowds, record-breaking television ratings, and an electric atmosphere that mirrors postseason environments.

The arrival of Clark—the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and the most-hyped rookie in league history—has transformed the Fever into the WNBA’s biggest box-office attraction overnight. Alongside Clark, young stars like Aliyah Boston, NaLyssa Smith, and Kelsey Mitchell have worked tirelessly to build chemistry, but Cunningham believes the added attention has created an undeniable burden.

“It’s not just Caitlin; it’s all of us,” Cunningham explained. “Of course, Caitlin brings a lot of eyes to this team, but when the cameras are rolling, when the arenas are full, the pressure’s on every player wearing Fever across their chest. Other teams notice it, they feel it, and they come at us hard.”

Evidence of this “target” has been easy to spot. Physical play, aggressive defense, and chippy moments have defined many of Indiana’s games, particularly against established contenders eager to remind the newcomers that nothing comes easy in the WNBA. The Fever’s star players have taken hard screens, been subjected to intense on-ball pressure, and faced verbal trash talk from veteran opponents determined to test their mental and physical toughness.

For Cunningham, a known competitor with a reputation for embracing the gritty side of basketball, the challenge is nothing new—but the magnitude is. She pointed out that few rookie-led teams have ever faced this level of scrutiny so early in a season.

“When I was a rookie, I didn’t have 10 cameras in my face at every practice or people dissecting every play,” she said. “But that’s where we are. This team, these young players, we have to grow up fast. The league isn’t going to wait for us to figure it out.”

Despite the hurdles, the Fever have shown flashes of their potential. Clark’s deep shooting range and court vision have electrified crowds, while Boston’s dominance in the paint and Smith’s versatility give the team a promising foundation. But growing pains are inevitable, especially for a team learning to handle the weight of expectations under the glaring spotlight.

Cunningham’s comments have sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike. Some see her remarks as a rallying cry, a reminder that Indiana is still building its identity but won’t shy away from confrontation. Others view it as an acknowledgment that the team must quickly adjust to the league’s elevated physicality if they hope to contend with the WNBA’s elite squads.

“People aren’t just playing us—they’re playing the hype, the headlines, the sold-out arenas,” Cunningham emphasized. “It’s different when you’re the team everyone’s watching. And that’s okay. Pressure makes diamonds.”

Opposing players have largely been respectful of the attention surrounding Clark and the Fever, but many have admitted that playing against Indiana carries extra motivation. Veteran stars from powerhouse franchises understand the symbolic value of defeating the league’s most talked-about team, especially when doing so in front of national audiences.

“It’s natural,” one anonymous WNBA player shared after facing Indiana. “When everyone’s talking about them, you want to show people what your team is about too. You step up your intensity. You play a little harder.”

For Indiana’s coaching staff, led by Christie Sides, navigating this new landscape requires a delicate balance. Developing a young roster while contending with the league’s best teams is already a challenge. Add in amplified physicality, opponent hostility, and the relentless media cycle, and the task grows even more complex.

Sides has repeatedly emphasized the importance of mental resilience and unity, encouraging players to embrace the adversity and use it as fuel for growth.

“We’re learning on the fly, but that’s part of the journey,” Sides said. “This group has to lean on each other, stay focused, and block out the noise. Every great team goes through tough stretches—we’re no different.”

Cunningham, one of the team’s experienced voices, has taken on a leadership role, mentoring younger players and reinforcing the importance of toughness, preparation, and confidence.

“These moments are shaping us,” Cunningham explained. “Yes, there’s a target on our backs, but that means we’re doing something right. No one targets a team they’re not worried about. It’s a compliment in a way.”

Indeed, history has shown that teams under the microscope often evolve faster than expected. Facing the league’s best, enduring physical play, and dealing with constant scrutiny can forge resilience and cohesion, traits essential for long-term success. While the Fever’s current record reflects their growing pains, their potential trajectory remains one of the most exciting storylines in the league.

Cunningham remains optimistic, acknowledging both the challenges and the opportunity in front of Indiana.

“We’re not here to blend in. We’re here to compete, to grow, and to make our mark,” she concluded. “If having a target on our backs is part of the process, so be it. We’ll be ready.”

As the Fever continue their season, fans can expect every game to carry heightened emotions, fierce competition, and national attention. Whether Indiana can weather the storm and emerge as a true contender remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the target on their backs isn’t going away anytime soon. And judging by Cunningham’s mindset, the Fever are more than willing to embrace it.