Basketball can be a cold business, but sometimes a trade just clicks. Honestly, when the Indiana Fever picked up Sophie Cunningham in that massive 10-team trade back in February 2025, people weren't sure how she’d fit with a young core already headlined by Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. But then you see her on the court with Lexie Hull, and it all makes sense.
They’re basically the same person in different fonts.
Both are 6'1" guards. Both have that long blonde hair that makes fans do a double-take during fast breaks. Most importantly? Both play with a level of "pissed off" energy that every championship team needs. It’s not just about the shooting—though they both hit at an elite clip—it’s about the grit.
The Evolution of Lexie Hull
Lexie Hull used to be the "secret weapon" in Indianapolis. Not anymore.
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During the 2024 season, she was the efficiency queen, finishing second in the WNBA in 3-point percentage at a blistering 47.1%. But 2025 was the year she proved she wasn't just a specialist. When injuries hit the Fever backcourt in August, Hull stepped into a massive role and didn't blink. She dropped a career-high 23 points against the Minnesota Lynx and started playing 40-minute shifts like it was nothing.
The wildest part? Her toughness.
Head coach Stephanie White basically called her superhuman during the 2025 playoffs. Hull was battling a back injury that probably should have had her in a warm-up suit on the bench. Instead, she was out there diving for loose balls and recording her first postseason double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) against the Aces. You can’t teach that kind of "hard-nosed" mentality. You either have it or you don't.
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Enter "Spicy Sophie"
When Sophie Cunningham arrived from the Phoenix Mercury, she brought a decade of "Spicy Sophie" energy with her.
She didn't just bring veteran leadership; she brought a flamethrower. In 2025, she shot a career-high 46.9% from the field and 43.2% from deep. She was the perfect floor-spacer for Caitlin Clark. Then, the injury bug bit. A torn right MCL in August 2025 ended her season early, which felt like a massive blow to the Fever's momentum.
But even from the sidelines, Cunningham's impact was huge. She’s the loud voice in the huddle. She’s the one making sure the locker room stays loose. And let’s be real, the "Annika" LPGA Pro-Am where she and Hull caddied for Clark? That’s the kind of team chemistry that wins games in July and August.
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Why the Comparison Matters
Fans call them "twins" or say they’re "seeing double," but the real value is in their redundancy.
In the WNBA, if you have one elite 3-and-D wing, you’re a playoff team. If you have two? You’re a problem.
- The Defense: Hull is statistically one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, leading the Fever in defensive net points.
- The Range: Both players are comfortable shooting from the logo, which forces defenses to stay honest.
- The Vibe: They’ve embraced the "Midwest" identity. Cunningham, a Mizzou legend, famously talked about how much she missed "scalloped potatoes and meatloaf" while she was out in Phoenix.
What’s Next for the Duo?
Cunningham is entering free agency this offseason. That’s the big question mark hanging over Gainbridge Fieldhouse. She’s voiced her love for the Indiana culture, but with the expansion draft looming and new leagues like "Project B" (which she’s already joined) changing the landscape, nothing is guaranteed.
For the Fever to take the next step toward a title, keeping this specific brand of toughness together is vital. You need the stars like Clark and Boston, but you win titles because of players like Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham who are willing to play through pain and dive into the front row for a possession.
Actionable Insights for Fever Fans:
- Watch the Free Agency Wire: Sophie Cunningham's status is the first domino for the 2026 roster. If she re-signs, Indiana keeps the best shooting depth in the league.
- Monitor Lexie Hull’s Usage: With her shooting volume doubling in 2025, expect her to be a primary scoring option alongside Clark next season, rather than just a "3-and-D" specialist.
- Check the Expansion Draft Protect List: The Fever will have tough choices to make with the new Golden State Valkyries coming in; both Hull and Cunningham are high-value targets for an expansion team.