The Indiana Fever's recent victory over the Connecticut Sun was overshadowed by a series of physical plays and escalating tensions, culminating in a flagrant foul committed by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham on Sun guard Jacy Sheldon. With 46.1 seconds left in the game, Cunningham was ejected after grabbing Sheldon, preventing a layup. The incident resulted in a brief melee, with Cunningham, Sheldon, and Sun guard Lindsay Allen all ejected. The WNBA subsequently fined Cunningham for the Flagrant-2 foul.

The game was already rife with intensity. Earlier, Sheldon poked Caitlin Clark in the eye, leading to a series of shoves and a Flagrant-1 foul assessed to Sheldon, which was then upgraded to Flagrant-2. Marina Mabrey knocked Clark to the ground during this altercation, and she also received a Flagrant-2 foul.

Following the game, Fever Head Coach Sides addressed Cunningham's foul, but stopped short of offering full-throated support. While not explicitly condemning Cunningham's actions, Sides' response indicated a need for composure and disciplined play, even amidst the heightened emotions of the game. Sides acknowledged the competitive nature of the WNBA and the importance of players having each other's backs but also alluded to maintaining control.

Sides' measured response contrasts with the strong support Cunningham has received from Fever fans. Online and in the arena, fans have lauded Cunningham for what they perceive as defending her teammate, Caitlin Clark, from perceived excessive physicality. Some fans have even called for Cunningham to be the team's "enforcer," with one commenting "Sophie Cunningham has entered her Dennis Rodman era". This incident has seemingly boosted Cunningham's popularity among the Fever faithful, with increased demand for her jersey.

The contrasting reactions highlight the complexities of the situation. While Cunningham's actions may have been driven by a desire to protect a teammate, they also resulted in a Flagrant-2 foul, an ejection, and a fine. According to the WNBA rule book, a flagrant foul 1 is deemed "unnecessary" and a flagrant foul 2 is "unnecessary and excessive". A flagrant foul 1 results in two free throws and possession for the offended player's team. A flagrant foul 2 results in an ejection. Sides, as the head coach, must balance supporting her players with maintaining team discipline and adhering to league rules.

The Indiana Fever are currently 6-5 for the season. The Fever will advance to the Commissioner's Cup Final, which will be played on July 1 at the Minnesota Lynx.

The incident involving Cunningham and Sheldon underscores the ongoing debate about physicality and player safety in the WNBA, particularly concerning highly-profiled rookies like Caitlin Clark. While a certain level of physicality is inherent in basketball, the line between aggressive defense and dangerous play is constantly under scrutiny. The league and its coaches face the challenge of maintaining a competitive environment while prioritizing player well-being.