Fever's tweak to starting lineup leading to success with Caitlin Clark out

Sophie Cunningham has stepped up in a big way for the Indiana Fever amid Caitlin Clark's absence. Thursday night's game was no different.

Cunningham's mighty efforts as of late have earned her a spot in the starting role. She finished in double figures for the sixth straight game scoring 15 points in the Fever's 80-70 win over the Aces. It would have to be a group effort with Clark out of the lineup as her status still remains unknown. Cunningham shot 80 percent from field goal range Thursday night in addition shooting 3-of-4 from three point range.

It has become clearer as of late that Cunningham was a missing piece from last year's squad. She brings a much needed spark and fiery competitive nature that was quickly on display already this season.

Before earning a spot in the starting five, she was just as equally efficient coming off the bench making her a contender for this year's Sixth Woman of the Year award. She's given head coach Stephanie White quality minutes during Clark's absence which has meshed incredibly well with Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell's.

In fact, Cunningham hasn't contributed fewer than 11 points since early July and is shooting 58 percent from beyond the arc.

Sophie Cunningham has found her role

With the strong effort Thursday against the Aces, the Fever now find themselves back in sixth place with a 13-12 record. The top eight teams earn a playoff bid with just under two months remaining in the regular season. With her playing this well, Coach White should keep Cunningham in the starting role.

Lexie Hull held a spot while Clark was healthy, but has since fallen into a slump in terms of her production. What has really stood out about Cunningham while a starter is her way to step up and facilitate the offense. She has a natural role as a leader which currently makes the Fever signing her look even better.

READ MORE: Caitlin Clark is still breaking records without setting foot on the court

The Fever have several strong shooters making it difficult for team's to pick up their offensive schemes. Cunningham herself has been very open about the Fever's struggles during and even after Clark's absence.

The team has lacked any consistency in terms of production and have often times looked out of sorts. Her teammate, Aliyah Boston, has even gone on to say that it's almost as though the Fever have two different teams when Clark is in the lineup and when she isn't making it harder for players to build any sort of chemistry on the floor.

The starting five rotation that Coach White has gone with as of late appears to be building that much needed chemistry. Cunningham's production has continued to steadily go up as well as her minutes played.

Knowing how to play without Clark is something that many grew concerns about, but Cunningham has eased this worry after averaging almost double figures each game. It's safe to say that she has transitioned into the starting role smoothly and efficiently.

Of course, if Clark, who is listed day-to-day, returns to the team this season it would raise the question if the Fever coaching staff were to leave Cunningham in the starting lineup and keep Lexie Hull playing off the bench.

Cunningham and the Fever return to game action Sunday against the Chicago Sky at the United Center at 3 p.m. EST.