Caitlin Clark Earns Hilarious New Nickname “Inspector Gadget” From Sophie Cunningham as Fever Chemistry Grows Before Atlanta Showdown

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark continues to generate headlines both on and off the court, this time thanks to a clever nickname bestowed by one of her newest teammates. Ahead of the Fever’s May 23, 2025, matchup against the Atlanta Dream, Clark’s growing friendship with forward Sophie Cunningham was on full display when Cunningham, a fiery presence recently acquired in a four-team trade from the Phoenix Mercury, took to social media to anoint Clark with a nickname that’s already gaining traction among fans: “Inspector Gadget.”

The nickname, shared by Cunningham on X (formerly Twitter), came in response to Clark’s pregame outfit choice—a chic beige trench coat featuring bold red trim. The stylish getup sparked immediate reactions, but it was Cunningham’s playful comparison to the classic cartoon detective, known for his expandable limbs and endless gadgets hidden in his coat, that stole the show. The post quickly racked up likes and retweets, with fans jumping in on the fun and celebrating the moment as a testament to the strong and lighthearted chemistry forming within the Fever’s revamped locker room.

This moment isn’t just a blip on the social media radar—it’s indicative of something much larger taking place in Indiana. After being selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft and promptly living up to the hype by securing Rookie of the Year honors, Clark has brought not only game-changing skills to the Fever, but also a magnetism that is helping transform the team’s identity. The Fever’s roster, now infused with new talent like Cunningham and bolstered by a year of development from rising stars like Lexie Hull, is gelling in both serious and silly ways. Fans have dubbed the trio of Clark, Cunningham, and Hull “Tres Leches,” a nod to both their bond and the sweetness they bring to the hardwood.

That chemistry is something that head coach Christie Sides has been eager to cultivate since Clark’s arrival. On the court, the trio has demonstrated the beginnings of seamless communication, a feel for each other’s tendencies, and a shared competitiveness that could translate to deep postseason aspirations. Off the court, they’ve become a reliable source of laughs, memes, and viral moments. Cunningham’s Inspector Gadget post, for example, was followed by Clark herself chiming in on Instagram, tagging Cunningham and Hull in a story with the caption: “Less tanning, more basketball 😜.” The post was accompanied by a photo of the three smiling and enjoying a rare off-day—another sign that while the team is serious about contending, they’re also keeping things light when it matters.

Though Cunningham is currently listed as doubtful for the Dream game due to an ankle injury, her presence has already made an impact far beyond the stat sheet. The veteran forward brings playoff experience and a fearless mentality, having made her mark with the Mercury as both a defensive stopper and a vocal leader. Now in Indiana, she appears to have embraced the role of big sister, keeping the locker room energized and focused, while still finding ways to needle her teammates with the kind of inside jokes that speak to trust and comfort. For a team still building its identity, that kind of dynamic can’t be overstated.

As for Clark, the Inspector Gadget nickname is fitting in more ways than one. Her on-court vision, passing angles, and ability to seemingly conjure up assists and buckets from impossible positions is reminiscent of the resourceful cartoon sleuth. Whether she’s zipping a no-look dime across the paint or hitting a pull-up three from well beyond the arc, Clark has consistently left fans and opponents wondering how she does it. The answer, like the trench coat, may be style—but also substance.

Clark’s leadership style has also begun to evolve in her second season. She’s no longer the wide-eyed rookie trying to adjust to the speed of the league. Instead, she’s commanding huddles, pointing out defensive adjustments, and holding teammates accountable—all while still carrying a heavy offensive load. Through the Fever’s first several games this season, Clark has averaged 19.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game, proving she’s not just a highlight-reel shooter but a complete floor general capable of steering the team in crunch time.

Her ability to connect with teammates like Cunningham and Hull is a large part of what makes her so impactful. Chemistry isn’t just a byproduct of practices and film sessions—it’s built through moments like these, where laughter, personality, and shared stories knit together a team that wants to win for each other as much as they want to win for themselves. Fans recognize that authenticity, which is why clips and posts like Cunningham’s nickname or Clark’s tanning jab tend to go viral so quickly. They reveal the humanity behind the talent, and that connection fuels the growing national interest in the Fever.

The Fever, now boasting one of the league’s most exciting cores, are determined to make a leap this season. The addition of veterans like Cunningham to complement the young nucleus of Clark, Hull, and 2023 No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston is not coincidental. It’s strategic. The franchise knows it needs maturity, toughness, and leadership alongside raw skill, and Cunningham’s blend of grit and goofiness fits perfectly into that puzzle. Even while dealing with her ankle issue, she’s remained visible and vocal in practices, urging on her teammates and keeping the competitive spirit alive.

Their next challenge—taking on an Atlanta Dream team led by All-Star guard Rhyne Howard—will be a significant early-season test. Atlanta boasts speed, length, and a knack for capitalizing on turnovers, which means Clark and her teammates will need to be sharp from the opening tip. But if the Fever can carry their off-court camaraderie into on-court execution, they’ll have a chance to make a statement win. Whether Cunningham suits up or not, her influence—emotional, comedic, and tactical—will be felt.

Fever fans have responded enthusiastically to this new wave of energy. Sales of Clark’s jersey remain among the highest in the league, and the team’s home games have seen a noticeable uptick in attendance. But what’s perhaps most encouraging for the franchise is the growing sense that this isn’t just a temporary bump driven by one star—it’s a cultural shift powered by a team that enjoys each other, trusts each other, and is hungry to change the narrative.

Clark’s evolution from rookie sensation to established leader has played a central role in that shift. Her ability to embrace the spotlight while still connecting authentically with teammates like Cunningham and Hull suggests that her leadership style will only continue to deepen. And while fans may chuckle at the idea of “Inspector Gadget” sprinting up the court, it’s not hard to see the truth behind the joke: Caitlin Clark is built to adapt, to improvise, and to deliver results no matter the circumstances. Just like the cartoon icon she was compared to, she’s got a tool for every challenge—and maybe even a few that opponents haven’t seen yet.

As the Fever continue their season with eyes on a postseason berth and beyond, it’s little moments like Cunningham’s nickname and the trio’s social media exchanges that offer a glimpse into a team not just filled with talent, but with personality and purpose. “Tres Leches” may have started as a fan nickname, but it could end up being a symbol of something more: the sugary-sweet chemistry that might just carry Indiana to new heights.