Tensions were already sky-high during the matchup between the Washington Mystics and the Phoenix Mercury, but everything exploded when Sophie Cunningham responded loudly and physically to what many are calling a cheap shot — and the Mystics immediately felt the consequences.

The incident, now going viral across sports media, has fans, analysts, and even former players weighing in. What was meant to be physical playoff-style basketball turned into something far more personal — and Sophie Cunningham made it clear she wasn’t backing down.

The Incident: “Not Basketball, That Was Personal”

Midway through the third quarter, as emotions flared and both teams fought for momentum, Cunningham took a hard foul under the basket — one that had nothing to do with going for the ball.

Caught on camera, a Mystics player appeared to shove Cunningham mid-air during a layup attempt, sending her crashing awkwardly to the floor. The refs called a common foul, but the footage said otherwise.

“That’s not just physical play — that’s targeted,” said one commentator.
“You don’t mess with Sophie and expect it to slide.”

The Response: Sophie CLAPPED BACK

Moments later, Cunningham responded the only way she knows how — with fire, focus, and a little fury. She knocked down a cold-blooded three, turned to the Mystics bench, and let them know exactly how she felt — jawing back with visible emotion.

Then, on the next possession, she drew a charge — completely flipping the energy of the game.

“That’s how you respond — not with fists, but with buckets,” said a Mercury teammate postgame.
“She lit a fire under the entire team.”

Mystics’ Instant Regret: “We Woke Her Up”

Wat started as an attempt to rattle Cunningham completely backfired. From that moment on, she went on a scoring tear, finishing with 18 points in the final quarter and leading the Mercury to a comeback win.

Postgame, reporters noted that several Mystics players seemed visibly frustrated and avoided questions about the incident.

“You could tell they realized they poked the wrong bear,” one fan tweeted.
“That shove might’ve cost them the game.”

Fan Reaction: “Sophie’s Got That Dog in Her”

Fans flooded social media with praise for Cunningham’s toughness and mental strength. The phrase “Instant Regret” began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with highlight clips of her response racking up millions of views.

Even rival WNBA fans had to admit: Sophie Cunningham doesn’t fold — she fights.

Will the League Respond?

As of now, the WNBA has not announced any disciplinary action for the foul. But depending on further review, there could be fines or warnings issued. What’s clear is that Sophie Cunningham’s message was sent — and received loud and clear.

Final Word: Don’t Poke the Competitor

The Mystics came into the game looking to send a message. Instead, they awakened a leader.
Sophie Cunningham reminded the league that physicality only works if the other side backs down. And she? Refused to back down.

Now the question is: will the Mystics think twice before trying that again?