The next Fever player to benefit from the Caitlin Clark effect is painfully obvious

Sophie Cunningham is having a bit of moment since defending Caitlin Clark during the Fever's June 18 game against the Sun, something that proves the Caitlin Clark effect extends beyond the sophomore hooper and shines onto her teammates as well.

Just in case you missed it, here's what transpired. The Fever were up by 10 in the third quarter, and Caitlin Clark had control of the ball when the Sun's Jacy Sheldon intentionally poked her in the eye. A shoving match ensued — Sheldon shoved Clark, Clark shoved back, and then Sheldon's teammate Marina Mabrey pushed Clark to the floor.

Somehow, the teams organized themselves and continued playing basketball, but as Sheldon was attempting a breakaway layup in the game's final minute, Cunningham grabbed her — completely wrapping her arms around Sheldon and stopping her dead in her tracks — and then pulled her toward the floor. Just about every player that was nearby entered into a physical confrontation that ultimately resulted in the ejections.

In the days that followed, Mabrey's foul was upgraded to a flagrant and Cunningham paid a $400 fine — and saw a huge increase in TikTok followers. Her following on the social media platform exploded from 300,000 to over 1 million, a definite sign that many fans around the world are embracing Cunningham following the on-court explosion.

Lexie Hull and Aliyah Boston are also fan favorites

If anyone on the Fever is primed to handle even a fraction of the volume of attention Clark receives on a regular basis, it's likely Cunningham, who has always courted her own following over the years, but she certainly isn't the only member of the team who is a fan favorite.

Lexie Hull and Aliyah Boston are both putting in strong performances this season and a lot of attention has shifted their way. While Clark is leading the fan-based portion of WNBA All-Star voting this year, both Boston and Hull are in the top ten (Boston is sitting in third place with 446,961 votes and Hull is in ninth place with 217,438 votes of her own).

If there is anyone who is pulling for Hull in general, it's Clark herself, who told reporters ahead of Thursday's game, "In my eyes, I think she's probably the top player in this league for most improved."

Hull is currently putting in a strong defensive performance, something the Fever needs more of, and her offensive skills have improved game by game. She's shooting 56.3% from beyond the arc (and leading the league while doing so) and has a field goal percentage of 47.3.