What was meant to be a preseason tone-setter for the Washington Mystics turned into a humiliating lesson in composure and consequences, as the team targeted Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham with overly physical play — only to lose the game and draw widespread criticism for unsportsmanlike conduct.

 The Incident: Mystics Go After Cunningham

In the first quarter of the heated preseason showdown, things turned ugly when Mystics guard DiDi Richards delivered a blatant cheap shot on Cunningham during a fast-break transition. The foul was hard enough to stop play and resulted in immediate tension on the floor.

Referees called a flagrant foul, and replays showed what fans are calling an “intentional takedown.” Cunningham, known for her fiery competitiveness, immediately got up and confronted Richards, but teammates held both players back before it escalated further.

 Fever Respond With Poise… and Points

Instead of retaliating with more aggression, the Indiana Fever let their game do the talking. Led by rookie phenom Caitlin Clark, who drained back-to-back threes following the foul, Indiana turned up the intensity and outscored the Mystics by double digits in the second half.

Sophie Cunningham responded to the hit with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and gritty defense, helping the Fever seal the win and showing that intimidation tactics wouldn’t shake her.

“I’ve taken harder hits than that and kept moving,” Cunningham said postgame. “If that’s their strategy, good luck with the season.”

 Caitlin Clark’s Reaction

Caitlin Clark, quickly emerging as a leader in her rookie season, spoke after the game:

“Sophie’s tough. That’s not how we play basketball. We play smart, fast, and together. Tonight showed that.”

Clark’s maturity and poise were praised by fans and analysts, especially as she finished with 19 points, 7 assists, and several highlight-reel plays that shifted momentum back to Indiana.

 Instant Regret: Mystics’ Plan Backfires

The Mystics ended the game not just with a loss, but also with a locker room full of frustration and questions about their approach. Social media erupted with criticism, calling their tactics “classless” and “desperate,” especially in a league trying to grow viewership and respect.

Several Mystics players appeared shaken during postgame interviews, and head coach Eric Thibault admitted, “We let our emotions get the best of us. That’s not how we want to represent ourselves.”

 Fever Look Ready

For Indiana, the win was more than just a scoreboard result — it was a culture statement. With Clark, Cunningham, Aliyah Boston, and NaLyssa Smith, the Fever now have grit to go with their talent, and they’re not backing down from anyone.

Bottom Line: The Mystics tried to rattle Indiana with physicality. Instead, they got beat on the scoreboard, embarrassed on social media, and exposed as unprepared for a rising team built on chemistry and toughness. Instant regret, indeed.