Caitlin Clark Brutally Mocked Teammate Sophie Cunningham After Breaking A Tooth During Game
The Indiana Fever’s Friday night matchup was supposed to be a chance for a young team to rally together and notch a much-needed win at home. Instead, it turned into a wild night of unexpected injuries, comic relief, and viral memes—thanks in no small part to the ever-playful dynamic between Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham.
A Night of Highs, Lows, and Laughter
The Fever, who have been battling through a tough opening stretch of the season, came into the game already shorthanded. Rookie phenom Caitlin Clark, the team’s engine and fan favorite, was sidelined with a quad strain—a precautionary move from the medical staff, who confirmed she’d be out until at least June 9th. In her absence, veteran Sydney Colson was tapped to run the point. But midway through the contest, Colson herself went down with an injury, leaving the Fever scrambling for answers.
That’s when Sophie Cunningham, the fifth-year guard known for her hustle and infectious energy, was thrust into the spotlight as Indiana’s emergency playmaker. Cunningham, who typically brings a spark off the bench, suddenly found herself logging 27 minutes and shouldering a heavy load in the backcourt.
The game itself was a thriller. Despite falling behind early, the Fever mounted a furious late-game comeback, only to fall just short in the final moments. But while the scoreboard told one story, the real drama—and comedy—was unfolding on the court and, soon after, across social media.
The Bizarre Injury
With just minutes left in the fourth quarter, Cunningham’s night took a turn for the bizarre. While driving to the basket, she was tripped by a defender and crashed to the hardwood. Pain was evident on her face as she clutched her ankle, but as trainers rushed to her side, it became clear that something else was amiss. In the chaos of the fall, Cunningham had chipped her front tooth.
For a team already battered by injuries, the sight of yet another key contributor in pain was almost too much to bear. But Cunningham, true to form, handled the situation with her trademark sense of humor. After the game—and after a quick checkup to ensure no serious damage—she posted a TikTok from the locker room, flashing her new, slightly gap-toothed grin for the world to see.
“Guess I’m going for a new look,” she joked, the video quickly racking up thousands of views and comments from amused teammates and fans alike.
Clark’s Hilarious Meme
Enter Caitlin Clark. Though sidelined herself, Clark’s presence has never been limited to the court. Known for her quick wit and social media savvy, she couldn’t resist poking fun at her teammate’s misfortune.
On her Instagram Close Friends story—a feature reserved for her inner circle—Clark posted a classic meme: a photo of Jim Carrey’s iconic character Lloyd Christmas from the comedy “Dumb and Dumber,” famous for his own chipped-tooth smile. The caption was simple and savage: “Sophie.” The resemblance between Cunningham’s new grin and Carrey’s character was uncanny, and the joke landed perfectly.
Word of the meme spread quickly, and Cunningham herself was among the first to see it. Rather than take offense, she embraced the joke, resharing Clark’s post to her public story and adding her own laughing emojis. The playful exchange lit up Fever social media, with fans and teammates alike chiming in with their own memes and well-wishes.
Good News on the Injury Front
Beneath the laughter, however, there was real concern for the Fever’s growing injury list. With Clark, Colson, and now Cunningham all nursing various ailments, the team’s depth was being tested like never before.
Fortunately, there was some positive news. Head coach Stephanie White addressed reporters after the game, providing updates that gave the Fever faithful reason to breathe a little easier.
“I think we got good news from both of their MRIs, as good of news as you can get,” White said of Cunningham and Colson. “Right now, it’s a day-to-day thing. We’re looking forward to hopefully them returning at some point sooner rather than later, but at the same time, it’s how each of them progresses in their rehab.”
Cunningham, for her part, seemed more concerned about her appearance than her ankle. “I’ll get the tooth fixed soon,” she laughed in her TikTok, “but I might keep it for a few days just for the memes.”
The Locker Room Vibe
If there’s a silver lining to the Fever’s injury woes, it’s the unbreakable spirit and camaraderie that’s developed in the locker room. Clark and Cunningham, in particular, have become the heart and soul of the team’s off-court chemistry. Their willingness to poke fun at each other—and themselves—has helped lighten the mood during a challenging stretch.
“It’s important to keep things loose,” Clark told reporters earlier this season. “We all want to win, but you have to find joy in the process, too. Sophie’s one of the funniest people I know, and if you can’t laugh at yourself, what’s the point?”
Cunningham echoed the sentiment: “We’re a family. We pick each other up, and sometimes we roast each other a little bit, too. That’s what makes it fun.”
The Road Ahead
At 2-4, the Fever find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoff picture. With Clark out for at least another week and both Cunningham and Colson’s returns uncertain, the team will rely heavily on veteran Kelsey Mitchell to handle point guard duties. But White’s optimism—and the team’s resilience—suggest the Fever aren’t ready to give up on the season just yet.
“There’s a lot of basketball left,” White said. “We’ve faced adversity, but I believe in this group. We’re going to keep fighting.”
More Than a Game
As the Fever regroup and prepare for their next challenge, one thing is clear: this team knows how to find the humor in hardship. Whether it’s a chipped tooth, a viral meme, or a sideline roast, Clark, Cunningham, and their teammates are proving that sometimes, laughter really is the best medicine.
And as Cunningham gets her smile repaired and Clark eyes her return to the court, Fever fans can rest assured that their team’s spirit is as strong as ever—one meme at a time.