Tibbetts: Sophie Cunningham likely to have shoulder procedure once 2024 season ends
Cunningham had her first career double-double in the Phoenix Mercury's win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday.
Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham, who is leading the WNBA with 19 games in which she has shot at least 40% from three, has played through right shoulder pain for a greater part of the 2024 WNBA season and may have a procedure done when the season concludes, she and coach Nate Tibbetts said in interviews with Desert Wave Media.
“Yes, it is still very much there,” Cunningham said. “So I’m just trying to not do too much at practice, and just trying to keep myself better for the games.”
Cunningham, 28, is often proclaimed by Tibbetts as the Mercury’s “Sixth Starter.” Even though she is struggling with her pain, Cunningham is ranked No. 15 in threes made (47) and No. 7 in the WNBA in 3-point percentage (39.8).
“I would say Sophie is as tough as it gets,” Tibbetts said. “ … Any time you see her, she’s got a hot pack or ice (on her shoulder). She’s kind of just done whatever we’ve asked her to do, and she does it at a high level.”
Cunningham recorded her first career double-double in the Mercury’s 86-68 win over the Chicago Sky on Sunday with 13 points and 10 rebounds despite playing through immense pain.
Cunningham is in her sixth season with the Mercury. She was selected with the No. 13 overall pick in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft from Missouri.
Cunningham has played all of her WNBA career with the Mercury and is one of just three remaining players (Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner) from the 2023 roster.
“I just gotta keep getting better every single day,” Cunningham said in an exclusive Q&A with Desert Wave Media. “And I think where I’ve grown most is really, (to) do less. I don’t need to be running around. I can actually play my position now and stay on the 3-point line. Attack, get in the lane and kick out when I need to. But when you have people who are really good at playmaking, all I need to do is find my gaps and spot up.”