What was supposed to be a high-energy preseason showdown between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics turned aggressive and borderline hostile when Sophie Cunningham, Indiana’s fiery veteran forward, was twice on the receiving end of hard, controversial contact — sparking debate across the WNBA community.

The Fever ultimately pulled off a 94–89 overtime victory, but the win came at a cost: tensions flared, players had to be separated, and questions now swirl about targeted physicality in preseason play.

The First Incident: A Message Sent?

Early in the second half, Cunningham drove hard to the basket on a fast break. As she elevated for a layup, a Washington defender delivered a high, body-first challenge that sent Sophie crashing to the hardwood. The play was immediately met with gasps from the crowd, and Cunningham took several moments to get back on her feet.

While the referees called a common foul, Fever head coach Christie Sides was visibly livid, shouting for a flagrant review.

“That wasn’t a basketball play,” she said postgame. “You don’t go at a player like that unless you’re trying to send a message — and we got the message.”

Round Two: Even More Intense

In the fourth quarter, with the Fever staging their comeback, Cunningham once again took contact — this time off the ball, as she attempted to cut through the lane. A Mystics player blindsided her with a shoulder bump, sending her stumbling and visibly frustrated.

Sophie looked toward the officials, hands raised in disbelief, while her teammates came to her defense. No call was made on the floor, but the Fever bench was clearly upset.

“I don’t mind physical basketball,” Cunningham said after the game. “But this felt intentional. Twice? That’s not a coincidence.”

Sophie Responds with Fire, Not Fear

Instead of backing down, Cunningham responded the best way she knows how — by playing even harder. She finished the game with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and a chip on her shoulder, hitting big shots in the fourth quarter and in overtime.

Her performance was key to Indiana’s win, but her composure after the incidents earned her just as much praise.

“They tried to rattle her,” said teammate NaLyssa Smith. “But Sophie’s tough as hell. You can’t shake her.”

Mystics Decline to Comment on Specific Plays

The Mystics’ coaching staff declined to comment directly on the physical plays but emphasized their team’s commitment to “competitive intensity.” When asked if the fouls were excessive, Mystics guard Ariel Atkins simply said, “It’s preseason. Everyone’s trying to make a statement.”

Fans React: Targeting or Tough Defense?

Social media quickly lit up with reaction clips and heated opinions:

@WNBAWatchdog: “That second hit on Sophie Cunningham was dirty. No call? Wild.”

@FeverNation: “You can foul Sophie, but you can’t stop her. And she just proved it.”

Conclusion: Fever Win, But Concerns Linger

While Indiana came away with the W, the bigger story may be how the league responds to questionable physicality in preseason games — especially when it involves veterans like Cunningham, who play with intensity but deserve protection.

One thing is clear: Sophie Cunningham won’t be bullied, and this Fever team has each other’s backs.