Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham addressed a viral pre-game speech by their head coach after the Indiana Fever’s 106-92 win over the New York Liberty. Fever coach Stephanie White delivered a passionate defense during her pre-game media session. This came after she faced backlash regarding her initial response to an incident involving Chicago Sky’s DiJonai Carrington, who hit Cunningham during a match.
Initially, White thought the hit was not deliberate but revised her statement on Tuesday, labeling it “egregious” after reviewing the footage. Cunningham showed her support for White’s updated comments, emphasizing the strength and unity within the team despite external distractions.
“There’s just been a lot of outside noise,” Cunningham said. “But our locker room is good. Our locker room is tight, and we have each other’s backs.”
White’s prior coaching relationship with Carrington during her time at the Connecticut Sun added context to her comments. Cunningham did not view White’s initial reaction as a betrayal but as a genuine oversight.
Cunningham further defended her coach, saying, “Me and Steph are great. Steph is great with all of us.” She added that the team focused on basketball and reclaimed joy during Tuesday’s game.
Clark also spoke out, discussing the emotional toll of criticism on their coach and shared her own experiences with scrutiny. She empathized with White’s situation and promised a victory for her coach.
“I think we forget at times that we’re human and she has feelings,” Clark said.
Clark criticized the atmosphere around the team and the league, expressing frustration over a culture that seeks conflict over celebration.
White’s pregame address also tackled divisive issues impacting the league. She emphasized unity among the team, proclaiming, “The hate… the divisive forces won’t win. We are united. We are connected. We will not be divided.”
The Fever have been involved in broader controversies over time, including incidents like Alyssa Thomas’s altercation with Clark and Cunningham’s views on protecting women’s sports. Despite these challenges, White expressed confidence in leading the team through the controversy toward the playoffs.