The Indiana Fever's recent victory against the Connecticut Sun to secure a spot in the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final has been overshadowed by the on-court drama that unfolded, particularly surrounding Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. The game was rife with physical altercations, leading to multiple technical fouls and ejections, with Cunningham at the center of the storm.
Tensions escalated throughout the game. In the third quarter, Sun guard Jacy Sheldon poked Fever star Caitlin Clark in the eye, leading to a series of shoves and technical fouls. Marina Mabrey of the Sun then shoved Clark to the ground, further inflaming the situation. However, the most controversial moment occurred in the final minute of the game when Cunningham committed a hard foul on Sheldon during a breakaway layup attempt. Cunningham wrapped her arms around Sheldon, sending her to the floor, and then grabbed her hair as the two exchanged words. This resulted in Cunningham's ejection and a bench-clearing incident. Sheldon and Sun forward Lindsay Allen were also ejected.
The WNBA has since reviewed the incidents and announced punishments. Cunningham was fined for the flagrant 2 foul, and Marina Mabrey's technical foul was upgraded to a flagrant 2, also resulting in a fine. However, no suspensions were issued to any players. The exact amount of the fines has not been disclosed, though it is known that flagrant 1 fouls typically carry a $200 fine, while flagrant 2 fouls start at $400.
Amidst the controversy and punishment, Cunningham has experienced a surge in popularity. Fans have applauded her for defending Clark, whose rough treatment this season has been a major talking point. Social media has been abuzz with support for Cunningham, and her jersey quickly sold out on the WNBA store. One user on X reported that Cunningham gained over 50,000 followers following the incident. As of Wednesday, Cunningham had gained over 32,000 followers on Instagram, pushing her over 500,000 total. Her actions resonated with fans who felt she was standing up for her teammate, leading to increased support and recognition. Some fans have given Cunningham an endearing nickname on social media for defending Clark.
Despite playing in only six games this season due to injuries, Cunningham has become a fan favorite. Her statistics may not be eye-popping, averaging 7.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists throughout her career. However, her willingness to protect her teammates and inject energy into the game has clearly resonated with Fever fans. This surprising turn of events, with Cunningham landing a "50K surprise" of new followers and increased popularity, highlights the passion and intensity surrounding the WNBA and its players.
